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Ben Affleck is opening up about his distinctive upbringing and the complexities of contemporary parenting. In a recent interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the acclaimed actor shared insights into his experiences as a latch-key kid and how those experiences would likely be viewed differently in today’s society.
At 52 years old, the star of Gone Girl recalled his childhood freedom and autonomy, revealing the differences in childcare norms across generations. Affleck reminisced, “I was thinking about it the other day. I would go to the movies. I was an actual latch-key kid. I walked to school.” From a young age, he carried a key around his neck and frequently visited the cinema, recalling, “I must have seen ‘Star Wars’ 20 times.”
When Kimmel asked how early he began navigating the city alone, Affleck surprisingly noted he started going out by himself as early as five years old. This admission highlights a stark contrast to the environment many children experience today, where parental supervision is often more stringent.
Reflecting on Parenting Today
As a father to three children—Violet, 19; Seraphina, 16; and Samuel, 13—whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, Affleck acknowledges an immense change in societal attitudes toward parenting. He humorously stated, “If you did that in West LA now, they would call child protective services, like ‘This man has to be imprisoned.’” This statement captures the evolving nature of child-rearing practices and the heightened scrutiny parents face today.
Affleck mused about his upbringing, commenting on his father’s presence at home during his childhood. “I remember coming home from school when my dad still lived there, and him just being there,” he said, noting his father’s lack of a job and indifference to walking him to school. This reflection offers a glimpse into his family’s dynamic and the varying influences that shaped his formative years.
New Projects and Personal Insights
The actor appeared on the show primarily to promote his latest project, The Accountant 2, a sequel to the successful 2016 film, The Accountant. In this new installment, Affleck portrays a man on the autism spectrum striving to reconnect with his brother while confronting threats from assassins.
In an interesting turn within the film, Affleck’s character seeks a romantic connection, even engaging in line dancing to charm a woman. On The Kelly Clarkson Show, he highlighted the preparation for his role, revealing multiple dance instructors were brought in to help him. When Clarkson teased him about needing so many teachers, Affleck playfully replied, “I did not need multiple instructors.”
Honest Feedback from his Children
Despite attending the premiere with his kids, Affleck was candid about his children’s honesty regarding his performances. They do not hesitate to voice their opinions, with Affleck admitting, “They’ll sit right next to me watching a movie and, while it’s happening, [say] ‘This is terrible. I mean, this is terrible. Why did you do this?’”
Teaching the Value of Hard Work
The actor made headlines recently when he denied his son’s request to purchase $6,000 sneakers. A viral TikTok video captured the moment Samuel asked for the luxurious shoes, and Affleck’s response was both firm and educational, stating, “That’s a lot of lawns you gotta mow there.”
During an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, Affleck elaborated on his parenting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of teaching his children the value of hard work. He explained, “You love your kids. You want to give them everything and do everything for them, but I think you definitely do them a disservice by not connecting [if] you want something that you want, you have to work for that.”
Balancing Competition and Support
Affleck also discussed his competitive nature when it comes to sports, refusing to let his children win during games. This perspective stems from his own childhood experiences with his friend Matt Damon. The actor recounted a pivotal moment when he encouraged his son to earn his victories rather than expecting easy wins. “I told my son when he was really getting serious about playing basketball, I’m not gonna let you win,” he explained.
He reminiscenced about Damon’s own history with competition, saying, “When Matt finally beat his dad, I still think it’s one of the best days of Matt’s life. He never forgot it.” Affleck reflected on an emotional moment when his son managed to beat him, acknowledging that it meant more to him than he anticipated. “What I didn’t expect was how much it would mean to me. I was like damn it. I did not like it,” he confessed.
Balancing Traditional Values with Modern Challenges
Through Ben Affleck’s reflections on childhood experiences and current parenting challenges, he highlights the tension between nostalgia for the past and the realities of modern-day parenting. As society progresses, the conversations surrounding child independence, safety, and the lessons imparted on young ones continue to evolve.
His candid revelations not only provide a window into his upbringing but also raise significant questions about how much freedom kids should have in today’s world. Affleck’s journey reveals the complexity of parenting in a rapidly changing society while reinforcing essential lessons about hard work, honesty, and resilience.
