Jennifer Garner reveals why she refuses to apologise to her kids for working a lot

For decades, female actors have been forced to contend with the stereotype that motherhood spells the end of their careers — especially if they dare to juggle work and family.

But Jennifer Garner is tired of having to explain herself in this respect.

In fact, the 13 Going On 30 star has insisted she'll never apologise for keeping a steady career going alongside her role as a mother, including to her three children or their father, Ben Affleck, claiming 'work is part of life'.

Garner's controversial comments came during an appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends on Monday (13 Jul), when the 54-year-old reflected on her almost 30 years in the spotlight.

"I get so much joy from what I do," she gushed. "I really believe that any job I've had I've really loved getting in there and doing the best.

Garner is a mother-of-three (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

"I mean, I like to work. I'm a worker bee."

The Valentine's Day star recalled feeling guilty about her drive to continue working when her three children were young.

As a reminder, Garner shares daughters Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and 14-year-old son Samuel, with ex-husband Affleck, from whom she split in 2018, but with whom she has maintained a strong co-parenting relationship since.

"When they were younger, I struggled with it so much," she recalled of her working schedule in her early years as a mother-of-three.

"But now that they're older, they're like, 'Thank you for showing us that work is something to be enjoyed'.

Garner continued: "It doesn't have to just be tedious all the time."

The Elekra frontwoman refused to be naive about difficulties other parents face when it comes to balancing parenting with work, but expressed her gratitude that she has a 'pretty great job'.

Garner refused to apologise for prioritising her career as well as being a mum (Frazer Harrison/WireImage)

"Let go of the guilt," she employed other mothers, however. "It doesn’t serve anyone."

This isn't the first time that Garner has reflected on conversations had with her three children about the importance of keeping up with her career.

She told InStyle last month: "I do thank them for being so sweet about [me working]. But that’s part of life.

"Working hard is part of life, and messing up is part of life. Tripping and falling - there’s room for all of it."

She added that there's never any one right answer when it comes to navigating parenthood in the spotlight.

"You have to raise yourself at the same time," Garner continued. "Just be so radically kind to yourself about how imperfect it is, and that it is just going to be imperfect.

"There’s no such thing as balance. There’s no such thing as doing it right. When the big moments happen, you are OK, and that’s on you to know and understand so your child feels your okayness."