Jennifer Garner Practices “Benign Neglect” in Raising Her Kids—But What Is It?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt guilty about spending some quality time away from your child. Jennifer Garner has been there too. Today we want to talk about “benign neglect” and how it can help all moms let go of that feeling. Let’s dive in and see how the actress uses this approach to raise her children.

Here’s What Benign Neglect Is

Being a mom should not stop you from taking care of yourself or doing some things on your own. Whether it’s going to the hair salon or getting a manicure, you’re allowed to enjoy your quality time alone. However, a lot of women still struggle with the “mom guilt” feeling. This is why we want to talk about “benign neglect.” Don’t get fooled by the name; this doesn’t mean you should completely ignore your kids. This parenting approach involves creating clear limits and boundaries, which all children need, yet allowing for enough freedom.

The concept of benign neglect depends on the age of your children as you still need to be present if they’re very young. The main goal is to help your kids gain confidence in doing things on their own. The approach also involves teaching your little ones to properly determine whether they truly need assistance or not instead of reaching out to their parents every time. This will encourage them to explore their surroundings and make their own choices. It’s all about balancing freedom and safety.

Why Does Jennifer Garner Use It?

It seems like Jennifer Garner has found the perfect balance between taking care of her children and having her own life. The mom of three (Violet, 18, Seraphina, 14, and Samuel, 11) shared that she wanted her kids to be more independent by creating healthy boundaries. She wants them to know that she also has a life of her own and they don’t need to be involved in everything she does.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? Setting a good example for your children is extremely important, from eating healthy to prioritizing yourself. Your children can be perfectly fine even if you’re not there every second. Benign neglect provides parents with more peace of mind and prepares children for social life and relationships outside of their comfort zone at home. This way, both sides can be content and satisfied with their lives instead of being emotionally exhausted.