• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Jennifer Garner tearfully speaks about 'heaviness' families feel due to COVID-19

0:59
Our favorite Jennifer Garner moments for her birthday
Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic via Getty Images
ByMegan Stone
July 23, 2020, 4:03 PM

When speaking about the struggles families face because of COVID-19, Jennifer Garner was overwhelmed by emotion.

During a meditation session on Instagram with Chelsea Jackson Roberts on Wednesday, the 48-year-old actress tearfully recounted all the anxieties she feels about the ongoing pandemic and acknowledged that, due to her privilege, she isn't struggling as much as many families.

Related Articles

MORE: Jennifer Garner gives sincere breakup advice to brokenhearted fan

But, above all else, she admitted her main concern lies with how her kids -- Violet, 14, Seraphina, 11, and Samuel, 8, all of whom she shares with ex-husband Ben Affleck -- are coping with their new normal.

"I'm really thinking about my kids and what their experience is going to be," Garner said, before reflecting on all the ways her privilege makes their life less challenging.

Editor’s Picks

Leave it to Jennifer Garner to turn laundry duty into a fun dance party

  • May 20, 2020

Jennifer Garner's 8-year-old son wrote a hilariously relatable haiku about COVID-19

  • Apr 01, 2020

Jennifer Garner is either the best or worst person to take on a roller coaster

  • Jan 16, 2020

"They're so lucky. ... We have broadband. So many kids in rural America don't have broadband," she said. "We have excellent teachers who can teach over Zoom -- that is a one-in-a-million possibility in this world -- and yet, it's also a depressing one."

The "13 Going on 30" star confessed all the concerns she feels as a mother.

Jennifer Garner poses with her children Violet Affleck, Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck and Samuel Garner Affleck at her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Aug. 20, 2018, in Hollywood, Calif.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

"What is this year, full of transitions, gonna look like for kids, for my family?" she asked. "How can I keep joy in learning for them or help them just continue to find their resilience? And that's where I am today."

Garner counted her blessings -- her children have a roof over their head and food on the table -- saying she feels "so lucky," which led her to feel a "heaviness" that some families can't afford those basic needs.

Related Articles

MORE: Mark Ruffalo posts tribute to '13 Going on 30' for the rom-com's 16th anniversary

"It is heavy, it's heavy for everyone," the "Alias" alum noted. "How do kids in this world not just live in all this heaviness?"

Editor’s Picks

Leave it to Jennifer Garner to turn laundry duty into a fun dance party

  • May 20, 2020

Jennifer Garner's 8-year-old son wrote a hilariously relatable haiku about COVID-19

  • Apr 01, 2020

Jennifer Garner is either the best or worst person to take on a roller coaster

  • Jan 16, 2020

Up Next in Culture—

Joan Cusack makes 1st red carpet appearance in 11 years at 'Toy Story 5' London premiere

May 29, 2026

'The Four Seasons' season 2 whisks Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo and more abroad

May 28, 2026

Shop the books from 'The Book Case' podcast

May 28, 2026

'Dolly All the Time' by Annabel Monaghan is our 'GMA' Book Club pick for June

May 28, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News