Michael Jackson was the "best dad"

The `Thriller` star was known for his eccentric behaviour before his death last year, but his three children, Prince Michael, 13, Paris, 12, and eight-year-old Prince Michael II, known as `Blanket`, insist he was just a normal father to them.

Paris said: "I kind of felt like no one understood what a good father he was. He was the best cook ever. He was just a normal dad, except he was the best dad. He made the best French toast in the world. He just made the best breakfasts in the world."

Paris also revealed the `Bad` singer - who avoided sunlight where possible because he suffered from the skin condition Vitiligo - used to enjoy walking along the beach with his family. She also spoke of the love of art she shared with her father.

She said: "We were in Bahrain, and we used to wake up early and walk on the beach.

"Sometimes he would take me to a museum, because we both loved art. We`d play tag outside. He got us Kenya [their dog] four years ago."

Although he was a loving parent, the kids admit he was quite "strict".

Blanket explained his older brother Prince "could get away with anything" but their father was tougher on him.

The three siblings - who are now being raised by their grandparents Katherine and Joe Jackson since their father`s death - also claim Michael`s attempts to shield them from his global fame when he was alive failed.

Paris explained during a TV interview with Oprah Winfrey: "He tried to raise us without us knowing who he was, but that didn?t really go so well."

Katherine admitted the children have found it difficult to adjust to the loss of their father but praised Paris for being "strong".

She said: "What they talk about is, `Daddy would do this and daddy would do that.` Or, `That`s how Daddy did it.` Paris is very emotional. She talks about him all the time. She`s the strong one. All the pictures on her wall in her bedroom are of Michael."

sections: Celebrities