Ben Affleck said he doesn’t want to ‘do anything that is painful or destructive’ to his children and understands that his celebrity status gives them ‘a cross to bear,’ in an open and honest interview with Howard Stern.

Ben Affleck, 49, is speaking out about how his rekindled flame with Jennifer Lopez, 52, almost didn’t happen. The actor made an appearance on The Howard Stern Show for an interview about his past and current life and admitted his three kids, including Violet, 16, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, 9, who he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, 49, are the reason he hesitated to strike up a relationship with the singer again.

When asked if he had doubts before diving back into a serious romance, Ben, who got back together with J.Lo earlier this year -17 years after they ended their engagement -, told Howard, “It crossed my mind for sure. My responsibility to my children is the highest responsibility. I don’t want to do anything that is painful or destructive to them if I can help it.”