Jan 22, 2008, 13:30 GMT
Denzel Washington teaches his children how to overcome "obstacles" in their lives.
10/29/2007 - Denzel Washington - Los Angeles Premiere of "American Gangster" - ArcLight Theater - Hollywood, California. USA © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
The 'Training Day' actor - who has four children with his wife Pauletta, 23-year-old John David, 20-year-old Katia and 16-year-old twins Olivia and Malcolm - has always encouraged his brood to focus on the positive things in life.
Speaking on US TV programme 'The Early Show', he said: "I try to teach my children there are going to be obstacles. Someone may not like you just because they don't like themselves. But don't you get bogged down by that.
"Don't be a hater. Don't let hatred destroy you. Overcome it, move on, educate them - if you will."
The 53-year-old actor recently revealed he is so overprotective of his daughters that he usually intimidates their boyfriends.
He said: "My oldest girl has got a boyfriend, who is at the school where she is. He is obviously very bright, but has too many earrings for my liking. I told him, 'I'm not going be that friendly with you.'
"I put my oldest boy on him - to put the fear of God into him. I said, 'Kick him around a bit. Tenderise him. I'll finish him off.'
"It is difficult, and it is a double standard, because with my sons, I'm like, 'That's my boy!' "
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