Tim Allen says he never wanted to be a dad and calls fatherhood a work in progress

Tim Allen said he never really wanted to be a father and described his experience as a work in progress.

During an interview with US Weekly, Allen said he has joked on stage about not being a real fan of children. He noted that parents go through many steps to obtain documents such as a driver’s license or passport, yet receive no formal guidance on raising children.

Allen has two daughters. Katherine Allen is his child with his first wife, Laura Deibel. Elizabeth Allen-Dick is his child with his current wife, Jane Hajduk.

Allen said Hajduk wished they had five children because parents learn on the first two. He added that he was often away while raising Katherine, so her mother handled most of the day-to-day care. Allen, who grew up with seven brothers and two sisters, said he has a different view of what makes a strong woman and focused on teaching his daughters about finances and self-reliance rather than clothing, looks or gossip.

He said he has come to appreciate the depth of a father-daughter bond. Allen recalled that his older daughter sometimes repeats things he used to say and that he is surprised she listened.

Allen said he was not sober during some of Katherine’s early years and made amends to her. He said his younger daughter has only known him sober for nearly 30 years and that Katherine does not hold his past against him.

Allen also spoke about his early life. He said he lost focus after college and spent two years in prison for criminal activity. While incarcerated, he read about successful people and decided he did not want to repeat the experience that had humiliated his family, friends and himself.

Allen stars in Toy Story 5, which is scheduled for release on June 19.