In the White House, it’s tradition for the outgoing president to leave a note for his successor.

This year, President George W. Bush’s twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, decided to leave their own letter for President Barack Obama’s daughters Sasha and Malia.

Entitled “Playing House in the White House,” the letter is full of the Bush daughters’ memories of first coming to the White House when they were 7 years old when their grandfather - George H.W. Bush - was sworn in as president.

“Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live,” Barbara and Jenna said in the letter, which they read aloud on NBC’s “Today Show”.

“Surround yourselves with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun and appreciate the history.”

Knowing that Obama has promised his daughters a puppy, the Bush twins talked about the fun of having a pet in the White House. “Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.”

Noting that “it isn’t always easy being a member of the club you are about to join”, the twins urged the Obama girls to have some fun. They even offered a few tips.

“Slide down the banister of the solarium. Go to T-ball games, have swimming parties and play sardines on the White House lawn.”

“Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.”

“Go to anything and everything you possibly can.”

“Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.”

But most of all, the Bush twins urged Sasha and Malia to remember that though their father is the president, he is most importantly their dad.

“Here is our most important piece of advice: Remember who your dad really is.”

For more Reuters political news, click here

Photo credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque (Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager leave Obama’s inaguration); Reuters/Jim Young (Malia and Sasha Obama at the inagauguration)