Jack Black reveals good marriage tips

Jack Black thinks being a good husband is like being a gardener.

The `Gulliver`s Travels` actor - who has sons Sammy, four, and Thomas, two, with wife Tanya Haden - believes care and attention, as well as communication are key to a lasting relationship, though he admits he occasionally gets too carried away with following his wife`s wishes.

He said: "Being a good husband is like being a gardener: You`ve got to give your partner lots of water and sunshine - love and support. Communication is key - listening and sharing, finding a good TV show to watch together. My wife and I have really been into `Project Runway`.

"It`s also important to ask for what you want. I have a tendency to do whatever my wife wants, and then anger builds up inside me and comes out in little passive-aggressive bursts. It`s better to just communicate your desires up front from the get-go. Such an obvious and strange discovery at the age of 41!"

As well as his tips for being a good husband, Jack also revealed what he thinks makes him a good father - getting enough rest so he is able to keep up with his sons` energy levels.

He told Parade magazine: "The more sleep I get, the better dad I am. Parenting is 90 per cent energy; if you don`t have it, then there tend to be some lazy TV-watching days with the kids and that ain`t getting it done.

"A great day with them is an energised adventure into the world.

"My best piece of parenting advice? Never try to make a happy child happier. Just leave it alone. When you try and kick it up to another level with a scoop of ice cream or whatever, it ruins everything."

sections: Celebrities