(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Brad Pitt admits he has made mistakes as a parent, but insists he isn't a "horrible" father.

The 47-year-old actor raises six children with Angelina Jolie and the couple do everything they can to keep the family together. If one of them is working, the other makes sure they can take a break to look after the brood - adopted children Maddox, nine, Pax, seven, and Zahara, six as well as biological kids Shiloh, four and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - so they don't have to spend time apart. Brad loves his family and always strives to be the best parent possible. However, he concedes he isn't perfect and there have been times when he has messed up.

"Not [like I'm] a horrible parent, but I've certainly made mistakes and had to make up for it," he told People.

Brad's latest movie The Tree of Life sees him play an abusive father in the 50s, whose behaviour deeply affects his three sons. The star insists he is nothing like the character and would never take his problems out on his children. He also vows he and Angelina won't try to influence the paths their children take when they are older.

"I certainly don't raise my kids that same way. I'm painfully aware that my actions leave a double mark on them in these formidable years, so I make sure I don't bring my c**p at home," he explained.

"I want to keep them free to explore that innocence as long as possible and find out what's really interesting to them. I just don't want to encumber them in any way.

"Listen, I just want them to follow their bliss. Whatever makes them happy."

Brad also revealed his brood influenced his next big screen outing. He is voicing a character in Happy Feet 2, and was thrilled to land the role because he kids love the original penguin animation.

"I mean Happy Feet is on heavy rotation in our house," he laughed, "So it was a must!" (C) Cover Media