Jennifer Garner Finds Joy In Watching Kids Navigate Life’s Phases

Actress Jennifer Garner, 51, is reveling in the happiness her children—Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12—are bringing her as she approaches her 52nd birthday. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Neutrogena brand ambassador expressed her delight in witnessing her kids’ journey.

“They’re really solid right now,” Jennifer shared, beaming with pride. 

“I’m just watching them in this new phase of life where they’re figuring out who they’re going to be and what they’re going to study. And I’m so interested in them. All the time, I’m interested in everything about them,” she added.

However, Jennifer acknowledges the challenge of letting her children forge their own paths. “I mean, my parents did too, and I’m so amazed by that. I have a really hard time not saying, ‘This is what I see you as,’ and ‘I think you should.’ I really have to sit on my hands,” she added.

The talented actress co-parents her three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck, maintaining a strong focus on their well-being.

During a recent appearance on Live with Kelly & Mark, she discussed her eldest daughter, Violet, embarking on college tours, signaling the onset of adulthood in their household.

“I am. I’m about to have an adult,” Garner exclaimed, emphasizing the significance of Violet’s imminent 18th birthday. “Three days. I’m three days from my eldest turning 18. Can you guys believe that?”

While the transition is undoubtedly significant, Jennifer’s finds solace in Violet’s self-reliance. “I can see the stress—even though the excitement and stress go hand in hand. But she’s handling it like a champ and she’s totally in charge. I’m not having to say, ‘Are you doing this, are you doing this?’ She’s a self-starter. And I’m just proud of her no matter what,” she stated.