Realize that you are in a completely different world from where you lived growing up. Times have changed and you have to adjust. Instill in them a sense of humor. Let your kids know how much they mean to you and show it. There is no such thing as too much love.
Praise does such wonders to a child's self-esteem.
Pay attention to your childs health. Self-destructiveness can be achieved in any number of ways, namely eating disorders or drug abuse. Do not mock them when they do not understand certain things. You should never have any expectations of anyone but yourself. The pressure you put on a child to act a certain way or get that 'A' can be so detrimental.