(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Robert Downey Jr. says he is tender but strict with his son.

The actor has a 17-year-old son, Indio, with his ex-wife Deborah Falconer and does his best to teach him valuable life lessons without being too harsh. Robert believes it is important to instil morals and good behaviour into children from a young age otherwise they can spiral out of control when they grow up.

The former Hollywood hell raiser who has battled issues with alcohol and drugs - insists Indio is aware of his boundaries and is a stable, happy person.

"I try to go with tender strictness, Robert explained in an interview with German magazine In. Children have to be guided. They need rules at every age until they have grown up. Indio knows that there are some things that are totally senseless to discuss.

Robert is now happily married to Susan Levin and has got his private life and career back on track. The 45-year-old star is relieved he has been given another shot at acting and marriage and is glad he learned from his past mistakes.

"I am really, really proud of it, he said about his revitalised career. There were times, I wouldn't bet a penny on me becoming 45. My self-destruction-period in the 90s was the lowest point, but without these experiences I wouldn't be the man I am today. I appreciate life much more now than I did years ago. I don't take anything as self-evident." (C) Cover Media