Ben once disclosed that Ella had a chat with him about her childhood when he wasn't around due to his career. She expressed herself quite clearly, and at times, it was things he didn't want to hear. It was tough for him to listen as it reminded him of how his own parents (actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara) weren't there. He had always believed, "Well, I won't do that."

Importance of Acknowledging Feelings

Although it "didn't feel great" to hear Ella's words, Ben emphasized the significance of acknowledging her feelings. He said, "But then it's that thing that, like, I was trying to navigate my own desire to fulfill the hopes and dreams I had, too." This shows his awareness of the need to balance his career and family.

Children's Perspective on Parent's Career

The actor further explained that Ella and her brother Quinlin never kept a record of his work-related absences. They simply wanted to have quality time with their dad. He learned that "your kids are not keeping score on your career." It would be self-centered to think that his children actually cared about that. What they wanted most was a parent who was emotionally present and supportive of them. This is probably more important to them than him going off to push the boundaries of his creativity.

Balancing Career and Family

Ben's story highlights the delicate balance between a career and family. He realized that while his work was important to him, his children needed him to be there for them emotionally. It's not about being constantly present physically but about being emotionally available. This allows them to grow up with a sense of security and love. He now understands that his children's well-being should be his top priority, and he is committed to finding that balance in his life.