His grandchildren refer to him affectionately as “Papa,” a title he wears proudly and considers more meaningful than any of his entertainment achievements or public recognition.
Winkler has spoken in interviews about how becoming a grandfather has changed his perspective, describing it as emotionally familiar yet structurally different from parenting his own children.
He explains that while raising children involves responsibility and constant decision-making, grandparenting allows him to focus more on connection, patience, and shared joy without the same pressure.
According to Winkler, each of his grandchildren has a unique personality, which requires him to adjust his approach and communication style with each one individually.
He has said that this diversity within the family makes the experience more engaging, as no two interactions are ever the same and each child brings something different to the dynamic.
Although he is affectionate and playful, Winkler is also known for maintaining a structured environment at home, especially when all the grandchildren are visiting together.
One of his key household expectations is maintaining quiet when the youngest grandchildren are sleeping, ensuring that rest and routine are respected even during lively family gatherings.
He has also stated that regardless of age, every child is expected to clean up after themselves, including clearing their own dishes after meals shared at his home.
These rules, though simple, reflect his belief in teaching responsibility through consistency rather than strict discipline, reinforcing respect in a calm and practical way.
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