Jennifer Lopez is basically the definition of "doing it all." You see her headlining Vegas residencies, launching beauty lines, and navigating high-profile divorces that keep the tabloids in business. But honestly? If you ask her, none of that matters as much as the two humans she calls her "coconuts."
Max and Emme Muñiz.
They aren't little kids anymore. As of early 2026, the twins are 17, staring down the barrel of adulthood and college applications. It’s a weird transition. One minute they’re in strollers in a People magazine exclusive, and the next, they're standing on stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace ringing in the New Year.
The Reality of Raising Jennifer Lopez Kids in 2026
Life for the Jennifer Lopez kids has been a bit of a whirlwind lately. Most people think their lives are just private jets and red carpets. While that’s part of it, the reality is a lot more grounded—and maybe a bit more complicated—than the Instagram posts suggest.
Take the recent New Year’s Eve show.
JLo kicked off her "Up All Night Live" residency in Las Vegas to ring in 2026. Right at midnight, Max and Emme joined her on stage. It wasn't some choreographed PR stunt. It was just a mom and her teenagers. They wore festive party hats, gave her a kiss, and looked like they’d rather be anywhere else for a second—before cracking smiles. That’s the thing about these two: despite having one of the most famous women on the planet as a mother, they aren't obsessed with the spotlight.
In fact, Jen recently told E! News that they’re "not very involved" with her work. They don't care about the Billboard charts or the movie premieres. They just want to know if she's going to be home for dinner or if they can hang out over the weekend.
Meet Emme and Max: Two Very Different Personalities
If you’ve followed the family for a while, you know the twins are night and day.
Emme Maribel Muñiz
Emme is the one who usually ends up in the headlines. Why? Because they have a voice that can stop a room. Remember the 2020 Super Bowl? Emme was 11 years old, standing in a cage, belting out "Born in the USA" while their mom danced in a feathered Versace cape. It was a massive moment for Latin representation, but also a huge "coming out" party for Emme’s talent.
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Lately, Emme has become a bit of a style icon for Gen Z. They’ve leaned into a 90s-inspired, gender-neutral aesthetic—think oversized flannels, baggy jeans, and Doc Martens. Jennifer has been super vocal about supporting Emme’s journey, frequently using they/them pronouns when referring to them. It’s clear there’s a lot of respect there.
Maximilian "Max" David Muñiz
Max is the mystery man. He’s much more private than his sister. While Emme is on stage, Max is usually behind the scenes or hanging out with his friends. Jen has described him as having a "big heart" and a wicked sense of humor.
Interestingly, Max is also the one who pushed his mom toward activism. Back during the 2020 protests, it was Max who told Jen she needed to use her platform for good. He’s a gamer, a thinker, and apparently, the one who keeps everyone laughing. He looks a lot like his dad, Marc Anthony, but he’s got that Lopez spark.
The Blended Family Dynamic (And the Recent Drama)
It’s no secret that the last year has been a rollercoaster. After JLo and Ben Affleck finalized their divorce in early 2025, the "blended family" situation got... tricky.
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For a while, the Jennifer Lopez kids and the Affleck kids (Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel) were inseparable. They were seen at theme parks, school plays, and shopping trips. Jen really tried to make it work. She even called Jennifer Garner an "amazing co-parent."
But as we moved into 2026, things got a bit more strained.
There have been reports that Ben was getting "frustrated" with how often Jen was still around his kids post-split. It’s understandable. Everyone is just looking for a bit of normalcy. The twins have spent most of their lives navigating "people coming in and out," as Jen put it in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight. But through it all, it’s always been the three of them—Jen, Max, and Emme.
The "Empty Nest" Anxiety
Here’s the part that every parent can relate to, whether you're a superstar or not. The Jennifer Lopez kids are heading to college.
Jen is 56 now. She’s spent the last 17 years as a "working single mom" (her words). Now, she’s looking at an empty house. She recently bought a $17.5 million estate in Hidden Hills, which she’s been renovating into a "sanctuary." But a sanctuary can feel pretty quiet when your kids aren't there to mess it up.
She’s handling it with a mix of excitement and typical "mom" nerves. She says they’re "so ready" for their lives to start. And honestly, they probably are. Growing up with JLo as a mom means you've seen the world. You've been to Paris, lived in Miami, and navigated the brutal landscape of Los Angeles.
What’s Next for the Muñiz Twins?
As we move through 2026, don't expect to see Max and Emme in a reality show or launching a line of energy drinks. They seem intent on doing their own thing.
- College is the priority. Expect them to be enrolled in prestigious schools by the fall of 2026.
- Artistic ventures. Emme will likely continue to sing or pursue theater, while Max might go the tech or gaming route.
- Privacy. They’ve learned how to handle the paparazzi, but they don't seem to crave the attention.
The most important takeaway? These kids are thriving because they have a foundation. Despite the divorces and the headlines, Jen has made sure they know they have a "solid home" to come back to.
If you're following the Jennifer Lopez kids' journey, the best thing you can do is respect their privacy as they enter these formative adult years. Keep an eye out for Emme's potential musical projects, but don't be surprised if they choose a path far away from the cameras. They’ve already spent a lifetime in front of them.
Next Step for You: If you're interested in how celebrity families navigate high-profile transitions, look into the co-parenting strategies used by stars like Jennifer Garner and Marc Anthony, which often serve as the blueprint for these complex dynamics.