‘If you want that, you can work’

Ben Affleck is sharing his thoughts on refusing to buy his son, Samuel, a pair of $6,000 sneakers. The actor is standing firm on his decision and explains that he wants his kids to learn the value of working to buy the things they want.

During a recent appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, Affleck shed light on his parenting philosophy, explaining why he believes in teaching his children the value of hard work, regardless of his fortune.

The 52-year-old actor, who shares children Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 13, with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, was candid about his decision to turn down Samuel’s request for a pair of Dior Air Force 1s. 

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Despite his wealth, Affleck made it clear that he wants his kids to understand that material things aren’t handed to them simply because their father is rich. “He wanted these sneakers, and I was like, ‘These sneakers are $6,000, what are you talking about? What are you gonna do, mow lawns? You got $6,000?'” 

Affleck shared, adding humor to the situation. Samuel, however, tried to argue, “We have the money,” to which Affleck quipped, “I have the money! You’re broke!” the actor added.

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“You love your kids. You want to give them everything and do everything for them, but I think you definitely do them a disservice by not connecting [if] you want something that you want, you have to work for that,” he said.

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Affleck went on to explain that his older kids have already taken on part-time jobs. “Yeah, my oldest two have jobs,” he revealed. “One just got a job, the kind of classic teenager working a shop job—I’m not going to say what it is. My older one in college is working and trying to get an internship for the summer.”

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As for Samuel, Affleck said his son is now learning the value of money. “He’s reckoning with that reality right now,” Affleck shared, noting that his son now realizes he won’t just be given whatever he wants. “He’s looking at no shoes in his closet. Well, he’s got shoes, just no crazy expensive fancy shoes,” the actor added, humorously explaining that Samuel could “work 1,000 hours” at minimum wage if he wanted to afford those luxury sneakers.