Ben Affleck, a prominent Hollywood figure, is also a dad who values hard work and responsibility in his children. During a recent appearance on *Today with Jenna & Friends*, the 52-year-old actor revealed that his older children have taken on typical teenage jobs to earn their own money.
He shared that his two eldest have jobs, with one recently starting a classic teenage gig at a store – though he declined to name the specific retailer. His oldest son, currently in college, is also aiming for a summer internship. This isn’t just about earning a paycheck; Affleck sees it as an important lesson in life.
The actor, who shares Violet (19), Seraphina (16), and Samuel (13) with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, used the opportunity to reflect on the importance of teaching his children the value of working for what they want. He recounted a humorous anecdote about his youngest son requesting an expensive pair of sneakers.
The shoes cost a hefty $6,000, prompting Affleck to question his son’s plan to acquire them. When his son replied that they had the money, Affleck playfully retorted, “I have the money! You’re broke.” This lighthearted exchange highlighted a serious point about the importance of earning and appreciating things rather than simply receiving them.
Affleck stressed that enabling children to get everything without effort can hinder their development. He believes that teaching children the value of hard work is a great gift. “You love your kids. You want to give them everything and do everything for them,” he added, “but that doesn’t include a $6,000 pair of sneakers.” Instead, he proposed a solution: earning the money through work. He suggested a deal to his son: “Well, if you want that, you can work a thousand hours. Minimum wage. And by the time you work a thousand hours, you may not want to spend it on those sneakers anymore.”
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Ben Affleck is clearly committed to raising his children with a strong work ethic and an understanding of the value of a dollar. It’s a refreshing perspective from a celebrity often in the spotlight.
