Jennifer Garner recently shared insights into the complexities of co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck. In a detailed interview on Bustle’s One Nightstand podcast, the Alias star reflected on the effort and sacrifices involved in raising their three children across two separate households, highlighting the ongoing challenges of Ben Affleck co-parenting challenges.
The Balance Between Two Households and Parenting Roles
According to Garner, the dual household arrangement requires both parents to fulfill roles traditionally shared under one roof. She explained that when children live between two homes, each parent must take on both maternal and paternal responsibilities.
“When your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad, and he becomes dad and mom,”
Garner said.
“You kind of can’t help it, right? Because you don’t have the benefit of both sides, the yin and yang being in the same house, so you have to have a bit of both in the way you parent.”
Despite the difficulty, Garner acknowledged that while this situation involves some loss, it also brings unexpected gains.
“There’s a little bit of loss in that, but there’s also something gained in that,”
she added.
“You also just learn, it’s made me let go and not focus so much on the bringing up.”
From Meeting on Set to a Shared Commitment After Divorce
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s relationship began after meeting on the set of 2001’s Pearl Harbor. Although their romance ignited after starring together in 2003’s Daredevil, the couple married in 2005 but separated in 2015. At the time of their split, they released a joint statement saying,
“After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time. This will be our only comment on this private, family matter. Thank you for understanding.”
Garner Reflects on Her Relationship and Ongoing Connection to Affleck
In her first interview following the divorce announcement, Garner described Affleck as “the love of her life.” She told Vanity Fair,
“I didn’t marry the big fat movie star; I married him, and I would go back and remake that decision. I ran down the beach to him, and I would again. You can’t have these three babies and so much of what we had. He’s the love of my life.”
She also spoke about the emotional bond that persists between them, saying,
“We still have to help each other get through this. He’s still the only person who really knows the truth about things. And I’m still the only person that knows some of his truths.”
Ben Affleck’s Life After Divorce and Continued Co-Parenting
Following the end of his marriage to Garner, Affleck rekindled a relationship with Jennifer Lopez, marrying her in 2022 before finalizing their divorce in January 2025. Despite the public nature of these relationships, Affleck has focused on maintaining a strong co-parenting partnership with Garner. In December 2024, a source close to Affleck told Fox News Digital that he was enjoying time outside of the spotlight and valued the moments spent with Garner and their children.
“Ben and Jennifer Garner have a really great co-parenting relationship,”
the source revealed.
“They are still family for the sake of the kids. They talk all the time and Jennifer wants what’s best for him because it’s best for their kids. There is no bad blood between them, and she’s really been there for him and their kids as they navigate life post split from Jennifer Lopez.”
The same source added,
“Ben seems to be in a really great place in his life. He’s got a few things work wise to wrap up the year, but he seems less stressed than he did six months ago. He’s focused on work and staying busy and seems excited for his project in the new year.”
Affleck’s Thoughts on Divorce and Parenting in Public Interviews
In a 2020 appearance on Good Morning America, Affleck opened up about his feelings regarding the divorce and his ongoing connection with Garner through their children.
“I didn’t want to get divorced, I didn’t want to be a divorced person, I really didn’t want to be a split family with my children,”
he said.
“It upset me because it meant I wasn’t who I thought I was and that was so painful and so disappointing. In myself.”
He also emphasized the permanent bond they share as co-parents:
“When you have children with somebody, you’re connected to them forever. And I’m very lucky she is the mother of my children. I’m very grateful and respectful of her. Our marriage didn’t work, and that’s difficult. Both of us really believe that it’s important for kids to see their parents respect one another and get along, whether they’re together or not.”