Actress Jennifer Garner, who shares three kids with ex Ben Affleck, shared the hard part of being a parent

Actress Jennifer Garner recently shared insights into her life as a mother in a new interview with PEOPLE, where she discussed her three children and the challenges of letting them make their own decisions as they grow older.

Garner, known for her roles in films like “Yes Day,” shares her children, 18-year-old Violet, 15-year-old Seraphina, and 12-year-old Samuel, with her ex-husband Ben Affleck. Reflecting on her children’s journey as she approaches her 52nd birthday, Garner expressed immense joy in witnessing them navigate their paths. “I’m just watching them in this new phase of life where they’re figuring out who they’re going to be and what they’re going to study. And I’m so interested in them. All the time, I’m interested in everything about them,” she shared.

However, Garner admitted that allowing her children to make their own decisions has been challenging for her. Reflecting on her own upbringing, where her parents granted her autonomy, she acknowledged the difficulty of refraining from imposing her own perspectives on her children. “I mean, my parents did too, and I’m so amazed by that. I have a really hard time not saying, ‘This is what I see you as,’ and ‘I think you should.’ I really have to sit on my hands,” she confessed.

Despite the challenges, Garner maintains a positive co-parenting dynamic with Affleck. The former couple often comes together for their children’s milestones, such as Samuel’s recent birthday celebration at Disneyland. Additionally, Garner has been spotted supporting her children individually, like her outing with Seraphina, who debuted a buzzcut.

During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark in November 2023, Garner discussed Violet’s upcoming college tours, highlighting her daughter’s autonomy in the process. Garner expressed pride in Violet’s handling of the college process, emphasizing her daughter’s independence and ability to take charge. “She’s handling it like a champ and she’s totally in charge,” Garner remarked, affirming her support for Violet’s journey into adulthood.