As parents to 3-year-old son Billy, it’s not easy forJohn Stamosand his wife, actress Caitlin McHugh Stamos, to find a little time for themselves.

“We try to have date nights — to get little glimmers of what it used to be,” Stamos, 58, tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “We have that and then we go home to a screaming child!”

Occasional chaos aside, Stamos and Caitlin are relishing being parents to Billy, a “strong-headed and independent” little guy who may or may not inherit some of Dad’s interests.

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John Stamos, wife Caitlin and son Billy.Robert Trachtenberg

john stamos and family

“He doesn’t want to do drums or guitar, but he likes coming around the shows now,” says Stamos, who has played guitar and drums with The Beach Boys for decades.

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“And I turned him onto a lot of cool movies early. He lovesGreaseandSingin' in the Rain. I hope that rubs off on him, because he seems to really like sports, and that depresses me.”

And the actor says when it comes to parenting, he and Caitlin are most often on the same page. “Mostly, I just listen to her,” he says with a laugh. “She’s got amazing parenting tools. And she’s so kind and loving and patient. How lucky am I?”

Robert Trachtenberg

stamos cover

When it comes to expanding their family, the couple is hopeful. “We’ve been trying for a while now and it hasn’t been successful yet,” says Caitlin.

“Well, the first kid stops us a lot of the time!” says Stamos. And ultimately, “we’re very fortunate,” he says. “It’s all about gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.”

No matter what, Stamos says he’s trying to be as present as possible for every moment with his son. “Everybody tells you it goes so fast, and it’s true,” he says. “I’d never thought about mortality before, but I want to be alive to see all of the wonderful things in my son’s life. These are the beautiful memories I’ll remember forever.”

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source: people.com