Bush daughters tell Obama girls: just have fun

US: The twin daughters of former president George W. Bush offered some advice Wednesday to the new president's girls have fun and don't forget who your dad really is no matter what the satirists say.

In a letter to President Barack Obama's daughters Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, Jenna and Barbara Bush recounted fond memories of their days in the White House, starting at age seven when their grandfather, George H.W. Bush, was president.

The two "first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children," the Bush daughters wrote in the Wall Street Journal.

"Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep."

When they returned at age 18 after their father became president in 2001, "we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel," the Czech dissident and former president.

They advised Obama's girls to surround themselves with "loyal friends."

"They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history."

As for a dog in the White House, something Obama has promised his daughters, their advice was: "Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide."

Don't hesitate to have fun, they said, suggesting the Obama girls slide down the banisters, throw swimming parties and play games on the White House lawn.

"Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play," they wrote.

And they admonished the girls to try to take advantage of all the special events and invitations, from watching their father throw out the first pitch of a baseball game to state dinners and cultural performances.

And for all the privileges and advantages of White House life, the Bush children acknowledged that being a child of the US president has its difficulties.

The Bushes said they had to endure unflattering portrayals of their father, as in a "sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV."

"Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters.

"So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is."

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, AFP