Meryl Streep is "the bad cop" in her marriage.

The actress is a strict parent and that there are clearly set roles in her family life.

The Oscar-nominee has been married to Don Gummer for over 30 years and the couple have four children together.

"In our marriage there is a good cop and a bad cop - and I am definitely the bad cop," Meryl told German TV channel Tele 5. "At home it's like this: daddy is the indulgent one, the one the kids go to if they want something. And then it's always DTM'. I found out what that means. It means don't tell mom'."

The Hollywood icon also spoke about how proud she is of her two daughters Mary and Grace, who have followed her into acting.

But Meryl admitted that like any mother she is worried about her offspring's wellbeing in the crazy showbiz industry.

"I admire that they don't get intimidated by the attention they get because of me and my fame. That doesn't scare them off, they love this job anyway," she said. "But I am nervous the whole time and worry if they are well and if they are getting along."