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Jennifer Garner on Balancing Work and Parenting: ‘I Love Being Home’

Photo from Jennifer Garner’s Instagram

Jennifer Garner on Balancing Work and Parenting: ‘I Love Being Home’

By Movieguide® Staff

One universal effect of the coronavirus pandemic was stay-at-home orders that forced families to spend more time together, with little to nothing available to do outside the home.

But YES DAY actress Jennifer Garner took the opportunity to get creative while sheltering in place with her three kids, Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Sam, 9.

“[I put] a lot of gusto in when I can and creating adventures when there are none,” Garner told People Magazine. “Like we started shooting silly videos, which they got tired of before I did because I love the end result and having them forever. They started saying, ‘Yeah, Mom. No.'”

Another way Garner grew closer to her children was at mealtimes. The 48-year-old actress dressed in a new costume for different dinners.

“First I was the American hostess and then I was the French waiter,” Garner recalled. “And I kept changing clothes like Mrs. Doubtfire. We did a beach shack and a deli in New York. We did one roller-rink restaurant where the kids were in the car and I bought the little trays that hooked onto the windows and made burgers. You just want to have a night of fun every now and then.”

Garner’s new movie streaming on Netflix, YES DAY, is full of fun and family. Garner said that her relationship with her children inspired a lot of what is in the movie.

Despite the isolation caused by the pandemic, Garner said that community is still important.

“If a mom friend says she’s tried something and it worked, I try it,” Garner said. “All the time. And I really do. That’s what a mom network does for each other, right? We really do raise kids in community, not in a vacuum.”

She continued: “I’ve learned that I’m pretty sturdy. I’m okay when I’m in the house by myself. I’m okay when it’s just the kids and me. I’m okay when they fall apart. I mean I have my moments, but pretty much, I’m really okay.”

Although balancing a career in Hollywood, taking care of her children, and the work she does for Save the Children is not always easy, Garner said she is thankful for family time.

“I love being home with [my kids], and I’ve been so lucky to have the flexibility to be home a lot,” Garner said. “But I miss the days of going on location and will be excited to just be like, ‘Yeah, you want me in North Carolina? You want me in Budapest? You want me in Paris? Yes! I can do all those things.’ I feel like I’ll zip around a little.”

She added: “I do so many different things. Sometimes I feel like I work inside of a blender. I mean sometimes the lid of the blender flies off and you get a smoothie all over your kitchen. That happens too. It’s not always pretty. But we get it done.”

Read Also: Why YES DAY’s Jennifer Garner Starts Her Week at Church

Check out Movieguide®’s full review of YES DAY.

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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.