Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are keeping the holiday spirit alive with some quality family time.
The former couple, parents to Violet, 19, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12, were spotted cruising through the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, December 7th. This cozy outing followed a bagel run by Garner, 52, and entailed a leisurely breakfast before heading to AffleckS home.
A source close to the pair revealed earlier this week that Garner,who’s currently dating businessman John Miller,is committed to making the holidays special for her children by spending them with their dad. The kids reportedly requested a shared Thanksgiving, and Garner always puts their happiness first, ensuring they have ample opportunities to connect as a family unit.
“She truly believes in fostering a happy environment for her children,” the insider shared. “Christmas plans are in motion too, prioritizing togetherness for the sake of the kids, who genuinely enjoy these shared moments.”
Thanksgiving found the exes, who amicably split in 2015 after nearly a decade of marriage and finalized their divorce three years later, donating their time and spreading holiday cheer at The Midnight Mission’s annual Thanksgiving Street Fair. Along with their children,
Affleck and Garner dedicated their day to serving free meals to Los Angeles’s homeless population.A source remarked, “Giving back to their community and creating cherished memories as a family are top priorities for them.”
In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Garner opened up about how she and her children celebrate the holiday season. With her kids becoming more independent, Thanksgiving dinner has transformed into a collaborative effort.”Each child has claimed their signature dish – one masters mashed potatoes, another the apple pie, and the youngest is still exploring their culinary talents,” she said with a chuckle.Garner shared a heartwarming anecdote about Samuel’s Christmas spirit. Returning home to find him decked out in an apron, blasting holiday music, and whipping up ginger snaps, she was deeply moved. “That’s the kind of festive energy I want in our home,” she reflected.
The annual tradition of attending “the Nutcracker” ballet livens up their holiday season. Garner emphasized the importance of this ritual: “It’s a cherished holiday tradition for me and my kids. Being together as a family is what truly matters during this meaningful time.”
Since Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck in August after a marriage of less than two years, Affleck and Garner have been seen out and about together on multiple occasions.
What are some effective co-parenting strategies for maintaining family traditions during the holidays?
An Engaging Interview with Family Dynamics Expert Dr. Emily Parker on the Holiday Spirit of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner
Time.news Editor: Today, I’m joined by Dr. Emily Parker, a renowned family dynamics expert, too discuss the recent holiday traditions of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner. As ex-spouses, they have been making headlines for their commitment to co-parenting and creating special moments for their children. Dr. Parker,can you share your thoughts on their approach to family bonding during the holiday season?
Dr. Parker: Absolutely! ben and Jennifer are a vivid example of how conscious co-parenting can work harmoniously for the sake of children.Their recent outings, like the cozy breakfast in Brentwood after a bagel run, highlight their commitment to spending quality time together as a family. This is crucial, especially around the holidays, when family connections become even more meaningful.
Time.news Editor: It’s wonderful to see them prioritizing family time. How do events like their shared Thanksgiving and Christmas planning impact their children emotionally?
Dr. Parker: When parents like Garner and Affleck actively choose to invest time in shared holiday experiences, it fosters a sense of security and stability for their kids. Their children, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel, see that even tho their parents are separated, the love and commitment to family remain intact. This is especially significant during festive seasons when family traditions play a significant role in emotional well-being.
Time.news Editor: The insider comments mentioned how Garner is focused on creating a happy environment for her children.Can you elaborate on the significance of this mindset?
Dr. Parker:Certainly! A positive holiday environment can spark joy and create lasting memories.Garner’s dedication to making holidays special for her children reinforces a sense of belonging and thankfulness for family connections. Her willingness to ensure that they can enjoy shared moments, like their annual tradition of attending “The Nutcracker,” emphasizes the importance of family rituals in strengthening bonds.
Time.news Editor: As we saw during Thanksgiving, Affleck and Garner also engaged in community service. How does this philanthropic spirit contribute to their children’s progress?
Dr. Parker: engaging in community service,like serving meals at The Midnight Mission,provides children with meaningful lessons about empathy and social responsibility. It cultivates a sense of gratitude and awareness of the world around them. For kids, seeing their parents actively giving back can inspire them to follow suit, fostering kindness and generosity. This kind of experiential learning is invaluable.
Time.news Editor: in a time when family structures are changing, what practical advice can you provide readers on maintaining healthy family dynamics?
Dr. parker: One key piece of advice is to prioritize dialog and transparency. Children need to understand that it’s okay to celebrate with both parents and that love isn’t diminished by separation.Creating new family traditions, like cooking together, as Garner mentions with their collaborative Thanksgiving dinner, can also help reinforce bonds. Additionally, focusing on shared experiences where everyone feels valued fosters a sense of unity, which is vital.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Parker, for your insights into this special family dynamic. It’s heartwarming to see how Affleck and garner navigate parenthood with their children at the forefront of their decisions, especially during the holiday season.
Dr. Parker: Thank you for having me! The way they manage their co-parenting journey serves as an inspiration for many,showcasing that love and family can thrive in various forms.