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Jennifer Garner Opens Up About 'Little Bit of Loss' in Co-Parenting With Ex Ben Affleck
The actress compared raising her kids in two separate households to a classic novel.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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In a new interview, Jennifer Garner discussed the challenges of co-parenting her three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck, saying there is a "little bit of loss" involved but also something gained. Garner compared the experience to the novel "Anne of Green Gables," where the main characters raise an orphan, combining traditional child-rearing with an encouraging approach. The actress noted that when kids grow up in two separate households, each parent has to take on both maternal and paternal roles, which can be difficult but also allows for learning and personal growth.
Why it matters
Garner and Affleck's candid discussion of the complexities of co-parenting sheds light on the realities many divorced parents face, providing relatable insights for others navigating similar situations. Their willingness to be open about the ups and downs can help normalize the experience and provide comfort to those going through it.
The details
Garner explained that when kids are raised in two separate households, each parent has to take on both maternal and paternal responsibilities, which can lead to a "little bit of loss" but also something gained through the learning process. She noted that she and Affleck each try to embody both the "mom" and "dad" roles for their three children - Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. Garner also revealed that Affleck has a habit of listening to the same song on repeat, like Beyoncé's "Halo," which she experienced firsthand while living in a rental in Cambridge, Massachusetts with a newborn and toddler while he was filming.
- Garner and Affleck were married from 2005 to 2018.
- The interview with Garner was published on February 24, 2026.
The players
Jennifer Garner
An American actress known for her roles in films like "13 Going on 30" and "Dallas Buyers Club." She was married to Ben Affleck from 2005 to 2018 and they have three children together.
Ben Affleck
An American actor, director, and producer who has starred in films such as "Argo" and "Good Will Hunting." He was married to Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018 and they have three children together.
What they’re saying
“You kind of can't help it, right? Because you don't have the benefit of both sides of the yin and yang being in the same house. And so you have to have a bit of both in the way that you parent.”
— Jennifer Garner, Actress (Bustle)
“There's a little bit of loss in that, but there's also something gained in that. You also just learn. It's made me let go and not focus so much on the bringing up.”
— Jennifer Garner, Actress (Bustle)
The takeaway
Garner's candid discussion of the challenges and rewards of co-parenting with her ex-husband Ben Affleck provides a relatable and insightful look at the realities many divorced parents face. Her willingness to be open about the "little bit of loss" and the personal growth that can come from the experience helps normalize this common situation and offers comfort to others navigating similar circumstances.
