My girls loved board games. I just never had time to sit down and play with them. They always asked me to go to movies with them or just watch TV sitcoms with them. I was both mom and dad, and just didn't have the time. Now I wish I did.

Emphasize the importance of them doing well in school. Be interested in who their friends are. They're approaching the age when their friends will be more important than you if they're not already. This is normal. Have them invite their friends to your house and order take out food like pizza or cook with the girls if you have time. Get interested in who the friends are. Sit down and talk with them, too.

Always have open discussions with them....about everything! My kids are grown and were never involved with drugs. They might have experimented with alcohol and smoking marijuana when they were of college age, but from what I've read, today the kids are experimenting when younger and are into harder drugs. Ask them what they know of drugs and if they know anyone on them in their school. They might tell you; they might not, but it's good to let them know how you feel.

Take every advantage of spending time with them NOW because when they start driving, or their friends start driving, you won't see much of them anymore. It's really important just to have FUN with them. Make good memories! Tell them how much you love them, how proud you are of them, and with girls...it's important to tell them they look pretty everyday. If you do all that, they won't have to find a guy who will.

Don't ever talk bad of their mom.