Celebrity couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are in the midst of their divorce proceedings, leading to various previous woes resurfacing. The couple’s timeline is rather complex, owing to their on-and-off relationship. After several years they finally reconciled in 2022, working hard to maintain their bond and marriage.
Unfortunately, the second attempt also didn’t work out and the couple parted ways. In this circumstance, children are the ones who are most affected, and this couple had five. Affleck had three kids from his previous marriage while Lopez had twins, which they combined into a blended family. Recent news suggests that the parenting styles of the former partners differed greatly, with the Batman star disagreeing with his former wife’s habit of spoiling the kids.
Strict vs. Spoiling: The couple’s approach to parenting
Against the backdrop of the news of their divorce, several outlets have been bringing up past disagreements of the once-in-love couple. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were once Hollywood’s star-crossed lovers. After their first break up in 2004, the couple went on to marry others, have kids, and patch up again in 2022.
![Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27102128/ben-affleck-in-batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice-1024x576.jpg)
The Deep Water lead had three children from his first marriage to actress Jennifer Garner, while Lopez had twin boys from her previous marriage to Marc Anthony. Though they had no kids together, the couple raised their shared children as a blended family.
This is when old rumors began to spring up about their contrasting parenting style. According to a report shared by an insider to In Touch Weekly (as per Geo TV), one of their biggest marital woes was due to their approach to parenting.
![Jennifer Lopez as Atlas Shepherd in Atlas.](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/25002407/jen.jpg)
They have always had vastly different styles of parenting. Ben spoils them from time to time and gives them their favorite treats, but J. Lo really showers them with gifts like nobody’s business.
As per the article, the Second Act actress was used to spoiling the children, overloading them with gifts and treats. While this was fine in intervals or during hard times, Affleck did not want it to become a regular occurrence. The Justice League actor believed in maintaining discipline in order to prevent the birth of spoiled kids.
The gift of discord: Parenting style affects the bigger picture
This initial discontent on the ways to raise their children ultimately spiraled into a bigger issue. Though there may be other reasons for their separation, the topic of rearing children a certain way, surely impacted the decision.
![Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez in Argo.](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27102701/ben-affleck-in-the-way-back-1024x576.jpg)
She’s very much a Disneyland stepmom. She’s always picking up treats for them, she always seems to know just what will make them happy and gets a real kick out of making them smile.
The inside source further revealed that Affleck did not want to continue raising his kids according to his former wife’s indulgent nature. Though her technique appeared harmless, in the long run, it was not beneficial for the children.
Even though the couple has separated, they have maintained friendly relations with each other’s children. Lopez is often seen hanging out with the Gone Girl actor’s children and vice versa. In true parental fashion, they have not let their disagreements hamper the children’s bond.