Celebrity Q & A: Peter Krause

Q: Parenthood has lots of die-hard fans. Why do you think they love the show?
A: People can relate to it because we portray parents when they're successful and when they fail, which we all do.

Q: So how do you blow it with Roman?
A: By yelling at him occasionally. Losing your patience and your temper isn't the most attractive thing, but as kids get older, you wind up raising your voice.

Q: Is it hard for him having to split his time between you and your ex-girlfriend?
A: We have different parenting styles, but we make it work by supporting each other and keeping his best interests at heart. I also try to sit down and explain things to Roman rather than ordering him around. Kids deserve that. It only takes a minute and makes a world of difference.

Q: You're currently dating Lauren Graham, who plays your sister on-screen. How do you relax off the set?
A: We're Scrabble addicts. In fact, I first invited her over to my place to play it 15 years ago -- way before we started dating. We're very competitive. We play at home, on our iPhones and our iPads. I win more often, but don't tell her I said that.

Q: What's the one thing she'd most like to change about you?
A: My clothes. She tries to make me over on a daily basis. I'll start walking out of the house and she'll say, "What are you wearing? You have five different patterns going on there!"

Q: Tell us a personal secret.
A: I'm a science geek. I even have a T-shirt with a glow-in-the-dark chart of the periodic elements.

Q: Adam dances a lot on the show. How would he rate on Dancing With the Stars?
A: Pretty low! But I think viewers enjoy how bad I am, so I don't mind putting it out there and looking like a maniac.

Originally published in the March 2013 issue of Family Circle magazine.