Bush girls' advice on pets, friends and the Yankees

THE new president's young daughters have been told how to cope with life in the White House - with advice from George Bush's children.

Helpful hints for surviving life in the White House include finding loyal friends, going to the opening game of the baseball season and taking comfort from the family dog. The advice did not include how to avoid getting caught for underage drinking, a fate that befell Jenna and Barbara Bush.

Sasha and Malia Obama will have woken up in their new home today to discover that at the ages of seven and 10 respectively they have become celebrities in their own right.

They will now have to get used to life under intense scrutiny as they grow up in the White House.

Today they received a letter from Mr Bush's twin daughters, who were seven when their grandfather George Bush Snr became president 20 years ago. Jenna and Barbara, now aged 27, struggled at times to cope with the pressure.

In the open letter to the Obama girls, published in the Wall Street Journal, the twins wrote: "Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history.

"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. Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history."

They add: "And, a note on White House puppies - our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House.... Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide." The letter goes on: "When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game."

Of Sasha and Malia's new home, Jenna and Barbara write: "There is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age."