Jennifer Garner Finds the "Nice" Side of Fame, Inspired by Her Mom's Relaxed Parenting

Jennifer Garner shares her thoughts on the positive and supportive side of fame she has experienced, citing the influence of her mother's kind and non-disciplinary parenting style.

Jennifer Garner has candidly shared her perspective on the unique and unexpectedly pleasant side of fame she has encountered, while also crediting her mother, Pat Garner, for inspiring her approach to parenting. During an appearance on the "Today" show, Garner praised the supportive and affectionate nature of her fans. "Well, people are so nice to me, and they're so nice to my mom," she remarked. "I think whatever kind of brand – or not brand – whatever kind of fame I have is the nice kind. People just come up to me and want to say hi, and it's as if they know me. They're friendly and lovely to me pretty much always."

Garner attributed this positive experience to her mother's nurturing and non-punitive parenting. Pat Garner admitted that she was not a strict disciplinarian, allowing her children to make their own choices while respecting their decisions. "I tried to be the disciplinarian because the parents that I admired were disciplinarians, but I'm not really," Pat explained. "We all kind of just fell in line. I don't know what Mom and Dad did. We respected them so much. And we were a little, a little bit scared of Dad."

Jennifer Garner Finds the "Nice" Side of Fame, Inspired by Her Mom's Relaxed Parenting

Jennifer Garner recalled her childhood in Charleston, West Virginia, where she grew up with her sisters Melissa and Susannah. She noted that their parents fostered a sense of respect and a fear of punishment from her father, Bill. "We respected them so much," she said. "And we were a little, a little bit scared of Dad. I can't say we were scared of you, Mom." Pat responded, "No, I don't think you were. Bill was very proud that the boyfriends were all a little bit afraid of him."

Garner's decision to pursue a career in the arts, initially majoring in chemistry before switching to theater, was supported by her mother without any objections. "We supported our children whatever they wanted to do, and we never fussed at Jennifer or anything, but Bill told the people he worked with, 'Well, now I'll have to support her all of her life,'" Pat said. Jennifer rebutted, "You told me to switch my major. You said, 'Just study what you love. You'll figure it out if you want to go back to school later, but you're spending all your time in the theater. Just study that.'" Pat acknowledged, "I probably did."

Jennifer Garner Finds the "Nice" Side of Fame, Inspired by Her Mom's Relaxed Parenting

After graduating from college, Garner relocated to New York City, where she embarked on her acting career. Her breakthrough role came in "Alias," where she played Sydney Bristow, a double agent. The series earned Garner four Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe awards. Since then, she has starred in various films, including "13 Going on 30," "Elektra," "Daredevil," and "Pearl Harbor."

In her own parenting journey, Jennifer Garner finds inspiration in her mother's approach. "I have teenagers, but they're not quite at that level, but I have tried," explained Garner. "You want to be every bit like your mom if you have a mom like mine. So, I try to just make them free to go. There's no guilt. I'm trying to just say, 'Whatever happens, we'll get through. No judgment.'" Garner shares three children, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel, with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Garner Finds the "Nice" Side of Fame, Inspired by Her Mom's Relaxed Parenting

Jennifer Garner's positive outlook on fame and her gratitude for her mother's influence are a testament to the power of a supportive and loving upbringing. Her ability to balance her career with motherhood while maintaining a sense of joy and gratitude is a reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with positive people who uplift and encourage us.