Ben Affleck recently opened up about his current lifestyle, focusing heavily on his dedication to fatherhood and his strong co-parenting relationship with ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Years after finalizing their divorce, the former couple has established a reliable and structured routine for raising their three children: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14.
Speaking in interviews with outlets such as Variety and Entertainment Weekly while promoting his film Animals, the Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker shared details of how he structures his daily life around his family. Affleck explained that his primary goal is to remain heavily involved in his children’s day-to-day lives as they grow up.
The Shared Custody Routine and Family Life
Affleck and Garner announced their separation in 2015 after a decade of marriage, officially finalizing their divorce in 2018. Despite the split, the two have managed to develop a smooth, cooperative approach to parenting. According to Affleck, their children operate on a balanced weekly schedule.
"I work hard, and then I go home and pick up the kids from school," Affleck told interviewers, describing his routine. "We have dinner if they agree to hang out with me. They’re with me for a week, then with their mom for a week."
He expressed deep appreciation for his ex-wife’s role in their children’s lives, noting: "They have a great thing with their mom, for whom I’m also really, really grateful. I know things will come up that are hard, and I don’t want to jinx that, but this time in my life as a human being is really wonderful."
Prioritizing Proximity Over Remote Work
Affleck emphasized that his desire to maintain a consistent presence in Los Angeles is driven entirely by his custody schedule. As a co-founder of Artists Equity alongside Matt Damon, Affleck has purposely curated his professional commitments to keep him close to home.
"I’m divorced, I have shared custody, and I don’t want to miss these years," Affleck explained to Variety. Citing his children’s fast-moving youth, he added: "My kids are here, and their life is flying by. I don’t want to have to be in Shreveport or New Mexico in order to work."
Humor at the Dinner Table
While Affleck maintains a peaceful dynamic with Garner, life with three teenagers brings its own unique parenting challenges. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the actor joked about his teenagers’ reactions to his attempts at offering life or relationship advice.
Recalling a moment at the dinner table, Affleck shared how his 17-year-old child quickly shut down his guidance with a sarcastic reality check. "I’ll say, ‘You know, well the thing about that relationship there…’ and the 17-year-old turns to me and goes, ‘Oh, like you’re the expert on relationships?’" Affleck laughed, noting that he has officially become the household caricature.
With their children stepping further into young adulthood, Affleck and Garner continue to prioritize stability, mutual respect, and open communication in their successful co-parenting journey.
