Charlie Sheen thinks his four-year-old twins are better off with Denise Richards than him or their mum.

The 47-year-old actor asked his former wife Denise to take his kids Bob and Max when their mother Brooke Mueller was recently admitted to rehab and he believes his ex-spose is the best person to care for them.

A source told In Touch Weekly magazine: ''Denise and Charlie have a very close relationship now. He knew he could count on her.

''Charlie knows he can't take care of them on his own. He never tried to get his boys back. He knows he's not the best hands on father but he does love his kids.''

Brooke recently appealed for her brother to have custody of the little boys, though her request was ''flatly denied'' by the judge when hers and Charlie's lawyers met earlier this week.

A source revealed: ''The judge flatly denied Brooke' request to to have Denise stripped of temporary custody, and placed in the care of her brother in Orange County. There was absolutely no reason that could justify the move, which would only uproot the twins yet again.''

Charlie has accused his ex-wife of trying to get more money out of him, suggesting her plan for her sibling to care for the kids is simply down to her wanting to keep her $55,000 a month in child support.