Jennifer Garner wants to be her kids’ “buddy”.

The 42-year-old actress has three children with husband Ben Affleck – eight-year-old Violet, Seraphina, five, and two-year-old Samuel.

And although Jennifer is a fairly strict parent, she is also keen for her brood to think of her as a friend.

‘I hope to be my kids' buddy. I hope we can be pals,” Jennifer told E! News.

However, Jennifer added that if it comes down to it, her strict side kicks in.

“But no, I'm a mom. I'm tougher than that,” she added.

Jennifer is currently promoting her new movie Men, Women & Children.

And the stunning brunette says there is one part of the year that always gets her family excited.

“We love [American] football season. The Patriots matter!” Jennifer said.

But while most of her brood are interested in the sport itself, it’s the rivalry between brothers Eli and Peyton Manning that Jennifer finds so fascinating. While Eli plays for the New York Giants, Peyton’s team is the Denver Broncos.

“For me I’m so fascinated by the Manning brothers and I get very freaked out when they play each other and think about their mom and what their day is like,” Jennifer said.

“It's very busy at my house.”

Jennifer stars alongside Adam Sandler and Judy Green in Men, Women & Children, from Juno director Jason Reitman.

The movie tells the story of the various sexual frustrations experienced by teens and adults in the world of today.