Hollywood star Jennifer Garner recently shared a universally relatable experience: her teenage and young adult children think she’s hopelessly uncool. In a Feb. 19 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Garner candidly admitted that her kids – Samuel (13), Seraphina (16), and Violet (20) – view her as entirely embarrassing.
The Universal Parent Struggle
This admission highlights a common dynamic between parents and their children, particularly during adolescence. Teenagers often prioritize peer perception, making parental approval secondary. Garner’s situation underscores that even celebrity status doesn’t shield parents from the inevitable “cringe” factor. When asked how she gains “cool points” with her kids, Garner laughed, stating she relies on appearances with her famous friends.
“My kids do not… I mean, I am fully cringe,” Garner said. “I am only embarrassing.”
Leveraging Celebrity Friends for Credibility
Garner humorously explained that her children are more impressed by her co-stars like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones ) and Judy Greer (13 Going on 30 ) than by her own achievements. This suggests that children often value external validation from figures they admire independently of their parents. Garner jokingly acknowledged relying on her friends for “cool points,” a sentiment many parents can likely relate to.
The Shift in Parenting Styles
In a separate interview with Marie Claire UK, Garner reflected on the evolving nature of parenting. She described a more hands-off approach, allowing her children to make their own choices rather than exerting strict control. This modern parenting style, which she calls “parenting with a button on my mouth”, acknowledges the need to give teens more autonomy as they mature.
“You have to let them grow up and make their choices. You don’t get to control it.”
Despite her kids’ apparent embarrassment, Garner remains deeply proud of them. The story is a lighthearted reminder that even high-profile parents face the same universal struggles as everyone else. The feeling, however, is not mutual, as Garner finds her kids very cool.
Ultimately, Garner’s candidness offers a relatable glimpse into the dynamics of family life, proving that no amount of fame can exempt parents from the occasional eye-roll or dismissive sigh.
