Additional Coverage:
- Jennifer Garner says she doesn’t apologize to her kids for working: ‘I’m still their mom’ (businessinsider.com)
Jennifer Garner Reflects on Balancing Acting Career and Motherhood
Jennifer Garner, 54, recently opened up about her renewed focus on acting after years devoted primarily to raising her children. In an interview with InStyle, the actress expressed gratitude that her kids have been understanding of the demands her career entails.
“When my kids were little, I worked very little,” Garner said. “Then with the changes in our family, I hardly worked for a long time.” She shares three children with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, with whom she continues to co-parent following their 2015 separation and 2018 divorce.
Garner acknowledged that returning to acting has been a “very selfish” pursuit in some ways, as it requires prioritizing her schedule over typical family routines like school pickups and dinner. However, she intentionally selects roles filmed in Los Angeles to avoid disrupting her family life.
Discussing her new role in Peacock’s upcoming series The Five-Star Weekend, Garner related to her character-a widowed food blogger embarking on a fresh chapter-remarking, “I gave everything to mothering. I’m still their mom, I’m not going anywhere, but I’m grateful to have this part of my life back.”
She emphasized the importance of embracing both work and family, saying, “When I work, I don’t apologize to my kids for it. I thank them for being so sweet about it. Working hard and making mistakes are all part of life.”
Garner’s reflections echo sentiments shared by other celebrities about juggling career and motherhood. Ayesha Curry recently highlighted the need to maintain a sense of self beyond parenting, while Keira Knightley noted the “messy” reality of making work and family life coexist.
As Garner continues to navigate this balance, she exemplifies the challenges and rewards many working parents face in pursuing their passions while raising a family.