(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Angelina Jolie's mother taught her to "be friends" with her children.

The Hollywood actress and her partner Brad Pitt raise six kids together, Maddox, ten, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, with the eldest three adopted. The stunning star and her older brother James were brought up by mother Marcheline, who died aged 56 in 2007. Angelina's father actor Jon Voight got divorced from her mother when she was five, and the pair have famously had a strained relationship.

Angelina says her mom taught her the fundamental values of being a close-knit family and reliable parent.

"My mum always made it clear that I was her friend - and that is a lesson on how to bring up my own children," she told British newspaper The Sun. "When we talked, I felt she wanted to hear what I had to say. She enjoyed me and I feel I'm enjoying my kids.

"We play together, we dance. Even though [my kids] all from different backgrounds, they feel like they're part of the same family. My mum was my heroine. She was a generous, warm individual, who led a very private life but walked through it with kindness and grace."

Angelina has revealed the endearing nickname she called her mom because of her gentle nature. The 36-year-old star says her strong willed personality mixed with "elegance" inspires her acting.

"We would jokingly call her Marshmallow, instead of Marcheline, because she was the most gentle person in the world," she smiled. "But when it came to her kids, she was fierce in their protection.

"When I played Christine Collins in Changeling in 2008 I could relate to her, through my mum. She had that elegance and strength through knowing what was right. My mum was far too young to die [from cancer] but she did meet most of my kids, so I am grateful for that."

Angelina wants her children to realise the value of their fortunate lives. The American actress says that if her mothering skills are compared to that of her mom's, she will be exceedingly happy.

"I want my kids to appreciate how fortunate they are in life, compared with so many people who have nothing," she explained.

"If anybody ever tells me that I am a mother to them like my mum was to me, it will be a great compliment." (C) Cover Media