Patrick Dempsey Opens Up About Life with His Teenage Daughter and Twin Sons: 'I'm Constantly Amazed By Them'

Patrick Dempsey talks about leaving Grey’s Anatomy, repairing his marriage and relishing his new role in Bridget Jones’s Baby. Subscribe now for the exclusive interview, only in PEOPLE!

He’s starring in the hotly anticipated sequel Bridget Jones’s Baby, but for Patrick Dempsey, fatherhood is role number one.

“I’m constantly amazed by their insight and their observations,” Dempsey tells PEOPLE exclusively of his three children with wife Jillian: twin boys Darby and Sullivan, 9½, and daughter Talula, 14.

“It’s fascinating and fun to come up with answers to their questions,” adds the actor, 50. “And the questions are getting harder!”

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Since Dempsey left Grey’s Anatomy and the grueling filming schedule he experienced last year, he’s had more time to devote to his family — including coaching soccer.

“Darby is passionate about it,” he says, adding of his other two, “Sullivan wants to be an actor. And Talula loves cooking. She’s incredibly creative.”

Patrick Dempsey opens up about marriage, fatherhood and more in People Cover Story: Patrick Dempsey on the new People/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN), launching Sept. 13. Go to people.com/PEN or download the free app on your Smart TV, mobile and Web devices.

And a teenager all of a sudden!

“You go from a baby girl walking around in dresses to junior high and then high school,” Dempsey laments. “It’s a big transition. You have to weather the storm!”

Most importantly, when it comes to his children, “It’s about taking the time to take the time,” says Dempsey. “It’s nice being around family. I really appreciate the time when we’re all together.”

For more from Patrick Dempsey, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

— Aili Nahas