Jennifer Garner reveals what her children will inherit from her, and hopes they will put it to good use

Jennifer Garner is opening up about the values she hopes to pass down to her three children, and at the top of her list is a quality that has helped her navigate life's challenges. According to the actress, she hopes her kids continue developing a sense of humor. In a candid interview for the July/August 2026 issue of “Better Homes & Gardens”, the actress reflected on motherhood, family traditions, and the lessons she hopes her children will carry with them into adulthood.

Garner shares three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck: Violet, 20, Finn, 17, and Samuel, 13. While each child is charting their own path, the actress revealed that there is one character trait she believes can make a lasting difference throughout life. "I hope they value humor. Laughing your way through it, loving people through it, finding what's funny," Garner shared.

© GC Images

How humor, books, cooking, and music shape everyday life in the Garner-Affleck household

For the "Alias" star, humor is a tool for resilience, connection, and perspective during difficult moments. She hopes her children learn to face challenges with grace and find joy even when life becomes complicated. Along with humor, Garner hopes her children maintain a lifelong appreciation for books and music. "And I hope they take music and books with them," she said.

When she's not filming, Garner embraces a quieter role at home. The actress revealed that spending time in the kitchen remains one of her favorite ways to care for her family.

© Variety via Getty Images

"If I'm really home all day, I am cooking for people," she explained. "Because that's what everyone wants."

Known for sharing recipes and baking projects with fans over the years, Garner said creating comforting meals brings her a sense of peace. Homemade bread, cinnamon loaves, bagels, and family breakfasts are regular parts of life in her household.

"There's something very healing for me about them waking up to cinnamon bread or bagels," she said. "This morning I had French toast waiting for them and music playing." The simple routines help create meaningful family moments, something Garner clearly treasures as her children grow older and become more independent.

© Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I

Garner also spoke about the Los Angeles home she helped design, describing it as a welcoming space built around conversation and togetherness. "My house is very sit-able and cozy," she said.

Rather than focusing on grand spaces, the actress intentionally created intimate areas where family members and guests can gather, talk, or simply relax. "I can have a big gathering, but even those spaces have a little window seat or a way to tuck away," she explained.

Balancing Hollywood and Motherhood

Despite her successful acting career, Garner admitted that work often pulls her away from family life. "When I'm working, I can almost feel like a visitor in the house," she said.

Long filming days mean she often leaves before her children wake up and returns home with little time to spare before preparing for the next day.

© Getty Images

Still, maintaining a close relationship with her children remains a priority.

One recent example came on Mother's Day, when Garner asked for an unusual gift. She wanted to revisit cherished memories by reading aloud from her children's favorite books from childhood.

Although her teenagers were less enthusiastic about the idea, Garner admitted the tradition meant a great deal to her. "I know, but I think I need that. You have to let me," she recalled telling them.

Missing Violet While She's Away at Yale

As her eldest daughter, Violet, continues her studies at Yale University, Garner acknowledged that the family feels her absence. "We miss her a lot," the actress shared. "When Violet calls or FaceTimes, we're all crowded around the phone."

While family remains at the center of her world, Garner is also preparing for her latest project, “The Five-Star Weekend.” The actress stars as Hollis Shaw, a successful "chef-fluencer" whose life takes an unexpected turn during a gathering with friends.

© The Image Direct/The Grosby Group

Garner said accepting the role felt like an easy decision. "I feel like the projects that are meant for me are the ones that come my way," she explained.

Playing Hollis, she added, "was the most clear, loud, screaming Yes you could imagine."