Ben Affleck has long been one of Hollywood’s most scrutinized figures — his career, relationships, and personal life often dissected in tabloids and talk shows.

But in a rare, heartfelt moment of honesty, the actor recently opened up about his enduring bond with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, calling co-parenting with her “a gift” — even as his rekindled relationship with Jennifer Lopez continues to dominate headlines.

“Co-parenting with Jen is one of the best things that’s ever happened in my life,” Affleck admitted in a candid new interview. “She’s an incredible mother, and the way we’ve managed to stay a family, even through everything, is something I’ll always be proud of.”

Affleck, who shares three children — Violet, 19, Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 13 — with Garner, spoke with emotion as he reflected on the evolution of their relationship since their 2018 divorce. “We went through a lot together,” he said softly. “Marriage, separation, fame, failure — all of it. But at the end of the day, we never stopped being on the same team when it came to our kids.”

The Air director described Garner as “steady, kind, and endlessly patient,” qualities he said have made her “the rock” of their family. “When life felt chaotic — and it often did — Jen was the calm,” he said. “She has this way of creating safety, not just for the kids but for everyone around her. I’ll never stop being grateful for that.”

His words come at a time when the spotlight has once again turned toward his renewed romance with Jennifer Lopez. The two, who famously called off their engagement in 2004 before reuniting nearly two decades later, have been the subject of intense public fascination since rekindling their relationship. “Bennifer 2.0” has been a cultural phenomenon, celebrated as a story of second chances — but it’s also placed Affleck’s private life under renewed scrutiny.

“I know the world loves a comeback story,” Affleck said with a wry smile. “But real life isn’t a movie. Love, family — they’re complicated. And you have to handle them with care, especially when kids are involved.”

He emphasized that his relationship with Garner remains one of deep respect and partnership. “People love to create drama where there isn’t any,” he explained. “Jen and I have always been aligned on what matters most — our children. That will never change.”

Insiders close to the actor say the two have reached a “beautiful balance” in their post-divorce lives. “Ben and Jen talk every day about the kids,” one source shared. “They attend school events together, have family dinners sometimes, and genuinely support each other. There’s no bitterness — only mutual admiration.”

Indeed, Affleck’s tone when discussing Garner is one of humility and gratitude. “She’s taught me so much about grace,” he said. “There were times I didn’t deserve her kindness, but she showed it anyway. That’s the kind of person she is.”

Affleck has been open in the past about his struggles with addiction and how Garner helped him through some of his darkest moments. “She took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself,” he said in a previous interview. “She didn’t have to — but she did, because she’s Jen.”

Now, years later, that shared history has evolved into a friendship built on trust and mutual love for their children. “Our kids are amazing because of her,” Affleck said proudly. “They’re thoughtful, grounded, compassionate — everything you could hope for. And that’s Jen’s doing.”

Garner, for her part, has spoken warmly about their co-parenting dynamic in the past, describing Affleck as “a devoted dad who loves his kids deeply.” She’s also been seen supporting his renewed happiness with Lopez, proving that time — and maturity — have healed old wounds.

When asked how his relationship with Lopez fits into this family balance, Affleck smiled thoughtfully. “It’s about respect,” he said. “Jen [Garner] and I built something solid, and Jennifer [Lopez] understands that completely. She’s been nothing but supportive of how we raise our kids.”

Lopez herself has reportedly embraced the blended dynamic, having children of her own with ex-husband Marc Anthony — twins Emme and Max, both 17. “Jennifer’s a wonderful mother,” Affleck said warmly. “She brings so much love and creativity into everything she does. Seeing all our kids together — it’s chaotic sometimes, sure, but it’s beautiful.”

Still, the actor acknowledged that managing public expectations can be challenging. “People forget that we’re human,” he said. “They want perfect endings and clean narratives. But real families are messy. What matters is showing up, doing your best, and keeping love at the center of it all.”

Friends of the couple say Affleck has been in a particularly reflective place lately. “He’s grown a lot,” one insider revealed. “He’s not chasing perfection anymore — he’s focusing on presence. Being a good dad, a better partner, a better man. And a big part of that growth comes from how he and Garner navigated their breakup with so much dignity.”

In the interview, Affleck admitted that for years, he carried guilt about how his marriage ended. “I made mistakes. I hurt people I love. But I’ve tried to take responsibility and do better,” he said. “The beautiful thing about life is that you get second chances — not just in love, but in how you show up for the people who matter.”

That idea — of redemption through love and family — seems to have become a theme for Affleck’s life. His reunion with Lopez, whom he calls “one of the most extraordinary women I’ve ever known,” reflects both nostalgia and newfound maturity. “We’re different people than we were twenty years ago,” he said. “Older, hopefully wiser. But the connection is still there — real and strong.”

Even so, Affleck made it clear that the foundation of his happiness remains rooted in fatherhood. “When I see my kids, when I watch them laugh, when I see them become who they’re meant to be — that’s everything,” he said. “Fame, success, movies — none of it compares.”

He paused before adding quietly, “I owe that to Jen. She kept our family whole when things were falling apart. And she’s the reason I’m the dad I am today.”

As for the future, Affleck said he’s simply trying to stay grounded. “I’m not chasing perfect anymore,” he said. “I just want peace, honesty, and time with the people I love. Jen gave me that perspective, and Jennifer reminds me to hold onto it.”

With both women playing pivotal roles in his life — one as the mother of his children, the other as his renewed partner — Affleck seems to have finally found balance after years of public chaos. “I’ve learned that love takes many forms,” he reflected. “You can love your ex-wife deeply for who she is as a person and still build something new with someone else. That’s not contradiction — that’s life.”

In the end, his words carried the tone of a man who has weathered storms and come out wiser. “Co-parenting with Jen has been the greatest privilege,” Affleck concluded. “It’s not just about raising kids — it’s about learning what real love looks like. And I see it every time our kids smile.”