First thing is to uncork the thing. There's a lot of info out there about "Gordon Mod's". These nearly free mods will wake up the stock engine a bit and make it start easier after you've dumped it on its side when the motor's hot.
Having it sprung for your weight and putting a fork brace on it will help the handling a bunch.
If you're a taller rider, I would recomend a new upper triple clamp that will move the bars up and forward. I would also get a taller set of bars and a tall seat. I'm 6'2" and this helped with the ergonomics of the bike for me. I put on an SDG tall seat, Applied Racing Triple Clamp, Moose Flex bars with the Burleson bend.
Overall it's a very dependable bike. You can beat the crap out of it and it will just keep coming back for more. I've raced mine in Harescrambles and put some hard mountain miles on it through some rough conditions and my 2001 is still on the original motor and doesn't burn any oil.
Have fun with your kids! I certainly enjoy the time with my boys everytime we go out!