Ben Affleck has opened up about the lessons he has learned while working on his recovery and sobriety, crediting his children with being understanding about his struggles.
The Batman star shares three children with his ex, Jennifer Garner – 14-year-old Violet, Seraphina, 11, and Sam, eight.
He admitted that parenting is often ‘trial and error’ and as long as he is doing his best, they understand he won’t be perfect all of the time.
Ben told People: ‘A lot of the things that you learn in the process of dealing with addiction are good life lessons anyways. Be honest, take responsibility for your mistakes and help other people.
‘Kids are resilient. They appreciate the truth. Kids, if you’re honest and open with them, can forgive failings and setbacks, and they want to love you and respect you. That’s my approach to fatherhood.
‘I’ve talked to my kids pretty honestly about tough times. I try to be honest with them and say the most important thing is to be open and honest about how you’re feeling and when you’re not feeling good, to say “this is difficult for me” and to reach out to their parent and teachers.’
Ben has been working on his sobriety, and explained that it helped to avoid obsessing and worrying about relapses and setbacks.
He chooses to focus on the positives and taking each day as it comes, and appreciating every day that he sticks to his plan.
Ben previously opened up about his issues with alcohol, telling The New York Times: ‘I drank relatively normally for a long time.
‘What happened was that I started drinking more and more when my marriage was falling apart. This was 2015, 2016. My drinking, of course, created more marital problems.’
He entered rehab in 2017, saying in a statement on Facebook: ‘I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront.
‘I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step.
‘I’m lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I’ve done the work I set out to do. This was the first of many steps being taken towards a positive recovery.’
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