Seal Uses Heidi Klum's Family as Role Model  1/12/07

Seal insists one of the greatest benefits that came along with marrying supermodel Heidi Klum was becoming part of her extended family.

The 43-year-old had a traumatic childhood and has spoken out in the past about his abusive father.

He tells American publication People, "My wife has a good relationship with her parents - that's one of the gifts I inherited by marrying her.

"I didn't have that kind of communication (with his own mother and father).

"I wish I understood then what I know (now): that parents no matter how functional or dysfunctional, are trying the best they can."

The singer, who has three children under the age of three with Klum, claims he relies on his in-laws for much-needed support.

He adds, "We have great help. My in-laws are an integral part of our family life. Grandma and Grandpa are the best kind of help two parents can have."