Ben Affleck Praises Jennifer Garner's Parenting Skills

Ben Affleck has praised his former wife, Jennifer Garner, for her parenting skills and their cooperative approach to raising their three children. In a preview of the October 11 episode of Sunday Today with Willie Geist, the actor discussed their relationship after their 2015 separation, joking that Garner sets a high standard as a mother.

Affleck and Garner share three children: Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14. According to the interview preview, Affleck acknowledged that he sometimes feels his parenting falls short compared with Garner's, while expressing appreciation for their continued ability to work together as parents.

Affleck praised Garner's role in their children's lives during the interview, which was released ahead of the program's scheduled broadcast.

"Their mom is spectacular," Affleck said.

The actor explained that Garner's parenting makes him feel he has more to live up to. He also shared a humorous exchange with their children about the difference between their parenting skills.

"And they’re like, ‘Maybe 40 percent,’" Affleck said, laughing. "I’m maxing out. Woo, B+!"

Affleck, who ended his marriage to Garner after nearly 10 years together, also emphasized the importance of mutual respect in maintaining their relationship as co-parents.

"I respect her," Affleck said.

He identified respect as a central element of their ability to maintain a cooperative relationship after their divorce.

"I think the most important thing is having that mutual respect—being able to get along with that person," Affleck said.

The actor has also discussed their family arrangements while promoting his latest film, Animals. In an interview with Variety published October 7, he described how he balances his professional responsibilities with spending time with his children.

Affleck said he works before returning home to collect the children from school. Their schedule alternates between his home and Garner's, allowing the children to spend a week with each parent.

"I work hard, and then I go home and pick up the kids from school," Affleck said.

He described the family's arrangements and noted that time together depends partly on whether the children want to spend time with him.

"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," Affleck said.

He also praised the children's relationship with Garner and reiterated his gratitude for her role in their lives.

"They have a great thing with their mom," Affleck said.

Affleck has spoken positively about his personal circumstances during the promotional tour, describing his current stage of life as particularly fulfilling while acknowledging that challenges may arise.

"I know things will come up that are hard, and I don’t want to jinx that," Affleck said.

He added that he appreciates the way his life is going at present.

"but this time in my life as a human being is really wonderful," Affleck said.