Ben Affleck has a playful way of measuring his parenting skills. The actor admits that Jennifer Garner sets a high bar for raising their three children. He also revealed that their kids are quick to point out his shortcomings. Still, Affleck believes that being an imperfect parent is part of the experience.
Ben Affleck’s kids know dad isn’t as ‘perfect’ as mom Jennifer Garner and that’s okay
During an appearance on Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, Affleck praised Garner’s parenting skills. “Their mom is spectacular, and always makes me feel like I’m coming up a little short,” he said. The actor joked that he tells their children he is doing about 75% as well as their mother. Their response? “Maybe 40.” Affleck laughed off their assessment, adding, “I’m topping out at 75 max now. B-plus. Yeah, that’s all I got.”
Beyond the jokes, Affleck emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with Garner. “I respect her. I’m grateful for her,” he said. He added that the most important thing is “having that mutual respect, being able to get along with that person.” Affleck also believes children should see that their parents make mistakes.
“It’s not perfect,” he said, explaining that he does not worry about his kids having to live up to an idealized image of him. He acknowledged that his children already know his flaws. In fact, Affleck revealed that his kids have Googled unflattering pictures of him and sent him memes. “The idea that your own children are sending you the memes that we’ve seen,” he joked. He also admitted that the teasing never seems to end. In fact, he joined Instagram for his kids, but it backfired.
Affleck and Garner share three children: Violet, Fin, and Samuel. Although they divorced in 2018, they continue to co-parent their family. His comments highlight how mutual respect and honesty can shape that relationship. For Affleck, co-parenting does not mean pretending to be perfect. It means respecting Garner and being honest with their children. It also means learning to laugh at himself, even when his kids rate his parenting below his own expectations.
