While chatting it up with Kelly Clarkson on her show, Ben Affleck opened up about growing up with a single mom and shared a laugh-out-loud story about a lesson his mom taught him. The Oscar-winning actor, known for his role in Good Will Hunting, recounted how his mom, Christine Anne Boldt, cleverly taught him about responsibility in a way only a mom could.

A Dog's Tale: Ben's Childhood Wish

Ben Affleck, now 47, revealed during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show that he had his heart set on getting a dog when he was a kid. It was something he really wanted, but his mom wasn’t so sure he was ready for the responsibility that came with owning a pet. “She did have one lesson she tried to impart to me growing up,” Ben shared with Kelly, who is also 37. “When I was a little kid, I wanted a dog more than anything in the world.”

Mom Knows Best: The Test of Responsibility

Despite Ben’s insistence that he was ready, his mom wasn’t convinced. “I was 10 … I was like, ‘I am responsible enough!’” he told Kelly, emphasizing his youthful determination. His mom, knowing he wouldn’t give up easily, came up with a clever plan. “She was like, ‘You’re right … show me that you can do this. You have to walk the dog every day, twice a day,’” Ben enthusiastically recalled. “And, I said, ‘OK, let’s get the dog!’”

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Imaginary Paws: The Clever Twist

But here’s where things got interesting. Ben’s mom added a twist to the deal. “She goes, ‘No … first, you have to walk an imaginary dog,’” Ben said, causing Kelly to burst into laughter. “I said, ‘What do you mean?’” he continued. “She said, ‘Twice a day, around the block — as if you had the dog, so I know you will do it and you’re responsible enough to do it.’”

Ben told Kelly that he committed fully to his part of the deal. “I had to walk around the block with an empty leash twice a day,” he joked. “This woman — who I hope is watching — gave me a leash!” The imagery of a young Ben walking an invisible dog is both hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing his mom’s creativity in teaching him responsibility.