Ryan Reynolds Shares ‘Really Important’ Parenting Tip That Impacts What He Tells His Four Kids (Exclusive)

Ryan Reynolds is giving a peek into how he parents his four kids.

In an interview with Hugh Jackman for this week's cover story, Reynolds, 47, spoke with his Deadpool & Wolverine costar about parenting advice that hit home. The actor shares his four kids — daughters Betty, James and Inez, as well as a fourth baby whose name and sex has not been announced — with wife Blake Lively.

The words of wisdom came courtesy of the stars' Deadpool & Wolverine director.

"Shawn Levy actually told me something that stuck with me forever, that people tend to only talk about their wins. But I think it's really important for your kids in particular to know that you lose," says Reynolds.

He continues: "You don't get what you want all the time. Something you worked on really hard didn't work. You feel like you said something embarrassing today, you did something that didn't sit right with you. It's just so important that your kids see that and they don't just hear, 'Oh Dad nailed it.' Because you lose so much more than you win."

Reynolds adds, "It's really stuck with me."

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During the conversation with Jackman, Reynolds also opened up about how his own experience with anxiety has shaped him as a father.

"Oh mate, you've been pretty open with your anxiety struggles, which I really applaud you for," says Jackman. "Do you find being a dad makes it better or worse?"

"I think it makes it better because your focus is less on yourself and more on your -

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kids. I know you know that too," Reynolds says, as Jackman nods.

"Now I love that I have anxiety, I love that I've had anxiety," Reynolds continues. "Because when I see my kids experiencing some of that, which is probably genetic, I know how to address it in a way that is compassionate, that actually allows them to feel seen. I know that I can't just fix it. And I can communicate all that stuff to them and with them. I'm always grateful for it."

Jackman, who is dad to son Oscar, 24, and daughter Ava, 19, shares that he has evolved his parenting style as his children have grown. "I was a little bit old-school," he says. "I thought, 'Don't burden them if you are anxious.' Say you’ve got an opening night, or you’re hosting the Oscars—for three weeks before, I go a little distant."

The Australian star continues: "And then someone said to me, “But your kids don’t know that you’ve got the Oscars. Maybe they’re thinking you’re mad with them or they’ve done something.”

That advice prompted Jackman to begin opening up a bit more. "I had to make an uncomfortable phone call yesterday, and I actually just said to my son, 'I’ve got to make this uncomfortable phone call. I’m a bit nervous about it. If I seem a bit off, that’s why.' And he goes, 'Oh.' "

Afterwards, his son checked in: "He said, 'How did the call go, Dad?' I said, “I feel so much better,' " recalls Jackman.

Reynolds nods. "And he feels a part of your world."

For more on Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.

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