Ethan Hawke admits his career can be a ''strain'' on his wife.

The 'Boyhood' actor feels ''very lucky'' that spouse Ryan - the mother of his daughters Clementine, six, and Indiana, three - is so supportive of his work but he knows the fact he is frequently away from home isn't easy on her.

He said: ''I'm very lucky in that I have a beautiful wife who is not just a wonderful woman in my life but who is also a very good mother and she's willing to give me the freedom to keep working even though sometimes it's a strain on her.''

The 44-year-old star - who also has kids Maya, 15, and Levon, 12, with ex-wife Uma Thurman - thinks he is becoming a better father as he gets older and hopes he lives up to his own expectations as a parent.

He added to Sorted magazine: ''I love being at home with my children more than I ever have.

''I think you learn from experience not just how to be a better father but to be a more compassionate and interesting and caring man that feeds into every aspect of your life.

''I just hope I'm able to be as involved and inspiring a father as I can be and the one I would like to be.''