In a classic display of fatherly pragmatism, Ben Affleck recently found himself navigating the world of high-end sneakers with his 13-year-old son, Samuel.

Parenting teenagers comes with unique challenges as they navigate independence, peer influence, and self-identity.

Ben Affleck and his 13-year-old Samuel Garner Affleck in February 2025. Credit: Allen Berezovsky / Getty
Adolescents often push boundaries while seeking autonomy, which can lead to conflicts over rules, responsibilities, and personal choices.

Communication can become strained as teens prioritize friendships and social media over family interactions. Emotional ups and downs are common due to hormonal changes and academic pressures, making it essential for parents to offer guidance without being overbearing.

Striking a balance between allowing freedom and setting necessary limits requires patience, adaptability, and constant effort to maintain trust and understanding.

Affleck displayed this perfectly when he and his son Samuel attended the Got Sole sneaker convention, where Samuel’s eyes landed on a pair of Dior Air Jordan 1 sneakers, boasting a hefty price tag of $6,000. ​

Released in 2020, these limited-edition sneakers were initially priced at $2,000 but have since become coveted collector’s items, significantly increasing in value.

As Samuel admired the gray-and-white sneakers adorned with Dior-monogrammed swooshes, Affleck couldn’t help but comment on his son’s expensive taste.

He quipped, “You like those because they’re expensive.” Samuel, defending his fashion choice, responded, “No, they’re tough! I always said they look good.”

Upon discovering that the sneakers in Samuel’s size 8 were priced at $6,000, Affleck humorously remarked, “That’s a lot of lawns you gotta mow there.”

This light-hearted exchange highlighted the universal parental challenge of balancing a child’s desires with financial sensibility, even when the parent in question is a Hollywood star.​

Affleck, known for his roles in films like Gone Girl and Justice League, shares Samuel and two other children—Violet, 19, and Seraphina, 16—with ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Despite their high-profile status, both Affleck and Garner have consistently emphasized the importance of instilling grounded values in their children.

Former spouses Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner attend the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty
This recent interaction at the sneaker convention serves as a testament to their commitment to teaching the value of money and hard work.​

The father-son outing also coincided with Samuel’s recent 13th birthday celebrations. The family was spotted enjoying a paintball outing, with Affleck and Garner sharing light-hearted moments, sparking discussions about their amicable co-parenting relationship. ​

While it’s unclear whether Samuel walked away with the coveted Dior sneakers, the exchange between father and son resonated with many parents facing similar situations.

Affleck’s relatable reaction shows that, regardless of fame or fortune, guiding children to make thoughtful financial decisions remains a universal parenting challenge.