Getty Images

The Best Mama Around! 10 Times Jennifer Garner Won at Parenting

Celeb Kids

Apr 17, 2019 8:00 am·

By Melissa Copelton

Picture

Kim Kardashian Is Unrecognizable in Photo Without Makeup, Filter

Kim Kardashian Looks Unrecognizable in Photo Without Makeup or Filters

Megan Fox's Engagement Rings From MGK, Brian Green: Photos

Megan Fox's Engagement Rings From MGK and Ex-Husband Brian Compared: Pics

At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, Kendall Jenner's acne and acne scars were fully visible under her makeup. “I was feeling good about myself, and then when people say mean things, I’m like, ‘I know I have a zit. I know I’m breaking out. You guys don’t have to keep pointing it out. I obviously see that, but let me live,’” the supermodel told Allure at the time.

Rare Unedited and Filter-Free Photos of the Kardashian-Jenner Family

Inside the Kardashian-Jenner Family’s 2021 Holiday Celebration: Photos!

Khloe Kardashian’s Plastic Surgery From Botox to a Nose Job: See How Much She’s Changed

Khloe Kardashian’s Plastic Surgery History: Her Transformation Then to Now

When it comes to celebrity moms, few are as lovable as Jennifer Garner. Perhaps it’s because we’ll always enjoy her acting in films like 30 Going on 30 or TV shows like Alias, or perhaps it’s because she’s one seriously incredible parent.

Her children, Violet, Samuel and Seraphina are *beyond* lucky to have her! So, in honor of her 47th birthday on Wednesday, April 17, we’re bringing you all the times we think Jen won at parenting. Scroll through the gallery below to see them all!

1 of 10

View this post on Instagram

I put this up at home for my kids but they keep saying it back to ME! #incaseyoufindithelpful #😳🤷🏻‍♀️👵🏻❤️

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Mar 30, 2019 at 10:21am PDT

She Believes in Positive Reinforcement!

“I put this up at home for my kids, but they keep saying it back to ME!” the brunette beauty captioned a snapshot of a powerful message she shares with her kids: “If you realized how powerful your thoughts are you would never think a negative thought.”

2 of 10

View this post on Instagram

Well, guess what. It turns out 7 is the age my kid stops thinking it’s cool when I dress up for the party. #youngestchild #firsteyeroll🙄 #anyoneneedanAstrid🤦🏻‍♀️🤣😬👵🏼. (❤️ @americaferrera ❤️)

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Feb 28, 2019 at 1:49pm PST

Jen Isn’t Afraid to Go the Extra Mile …

On February 28, Jennifer legit dressed up as a character from How To Train Your Dragon for Samuel’s 7th birthday party.

3 of 10

View this post on Instagram

“Mom, a portrait” by my middle daughter. #jazzercise #tastythighs #middlekidsarestinkers

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Feb 26, 2019 at 9:22am PST

She Encourages Creativity in Her House!

Having your famous mom (who has 5.6 million followers on Instagram, BTW) share your art projects on social media is way cooler than just putting it on the fridge, don’t you think? P.S. This ‘80s workout unicorn is our spirit animal.

4 of 10

View this post on Instagram

Family Vacation. ♥️🧩 🍷 ♥️🎄😊

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Dec 28, 2018 at 3:03pm PST

Puzzles, Always and Forever …

This definitely isn’t scientifically proven, but any mom who loves to do puzzles with her family is automatically a patient, warm human being. Don’t quote us, just agree, please.

5 of 10

View this post on Instagram

I’m basically the @johnlegend of Christmas crafts. 👩🏻‍🎨🙅🏻‍♀️ #justkiddingchrissy #heisthejam #ijustlikeglue

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Dec 13, 2018 at 6:25pm PST

Christmas Spirit? Oh, Yeah, She’s Got That in Spades!

Of course, Jen is crafty all year around, but this past Christmas she took things to a whole new level. We adore her ability to have fun with her kids while still teaching them important skills … like how to not choke on glitter (it’s not as easy as you’d think).

6 of 10

View this post on Instagram

This time of year it is extra cozy to send kids to school with something warm in their bellies. My kids feel extra cozy about @realbakingwithrose’s chocolate bread. This recipe isn’t crazy sweet and, with a good swish of peanut butter, is just the thing for my early rising middle schooler. You can find the full episode on IGTV. #PretendCookingShow #bangwentthecabinet #😡😩🤦🏻‍♀️wentmybrain #hurryupchristmas🤶🏻 . #TheBreadBible Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bread Ingredients: 3 Tbs plus 1/2 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder 3 Tbs boiling water 1/2 Tbs pure vanilla extract 3 large eggs 1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs sugar 3/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 13 Tbs unsalted butter, softened 3 Tbs chocolate mini chips or bittersweet chocolate (chopped) . Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Whisk cocoa and boiling water until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature, then gently whisk in vanilla and eggs. 3. In a mixer bowl, combine cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds to blend. Add half the chocolate paste and the butter and mix until dry ingredients are moistened. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 1 minute to aerate and develop structure. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add remaining chocolate paste in two batches, beating for 20 seconds after each addition to incorporate the ingredients and strengthen the structure. Scrape down the bowl. Fold in chocolate mini chips/chopped chocolate. 4. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. 5. Bake for 50-60 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 200F. (The bread shouldn’t start to shrink from the sides of the pan until after removal from the oven.) 6. Set the bread on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen the sides of the bread and invert onto an oiled wire rack. Reinvert so it is top side up and cool completely.

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Dec 11, 2018 at 12:02pm PST

Sleep? Who Needs It!

Turns out, Jen wakes up at the crack of dawn to make her kids a warm breakfast in the winter. If that doesn’t scream amazing parent, we don’t know what does! Most kids get a Pop-Tart and pat on the back.

7 of 10

View this post on Instagram

Is this a nine year old burn? Or the ultimate compliment? #funkillingmom 🙋🏻‍♀️ #illtakealovenotehoweveritcomes

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Nov 9, 2018 at 10:45am PST

She Knows How to Have Fun … Most of the Time!

Like any good mom, Jen isn’t always going to have the adoration of her kids. Even so, they clearly aspire to be just like her … no matter how much fun she kills.

8 of 10

View this post on Instagram

When the librarian finds a love note your son tucked into a picture book...♥️♥️♥️♥️ #actsofkindness #spreadlove #belikemlkjr #lovenote

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Jan 15, 2018 at 8:38am PST

She Teaches Her Children to Spread Love and Kindness ..

Can you believe Samuel was just 6 years old when he wrote this? Most grown adults don’t have that kind of compassion. Clearly, Jen is raising a bunch of angels.

9 of 10

Jen Values the Small Moments …

Despite being a bona fide A-lister, Jen’s kids always come first — and that includes walking them to school! Sure, she may have a nanny, but that doesn’t mean she’s an absent parent.

10 of 10

Jen Believes in Being Amicable With Your Ex!

Despite Ben Affleck’s personal struggles, Jen always remained civil with her ex-husband and father of her children. We imagine it wasn’t easy at times, but we commend her for being the very best mom she can be.