Nick Cannon tries to connect with his children every morning.

The 'America's Got Talent' host, who has three-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan with estranged wife Mariah Carey, insists they are his ''number one priority'' and he always makes time to see or call them even when he's busy working.

The 34-year-old star said: ''Family is the number one priority. It's always making sure that you make that connection first.

''Just even where I move or the places where my days start has to be starting with the kids first.''

Nick, who filed for divorce from Mariah in December following their split last summer after six years of marriage, admits their children have become more independent recently.

He told E! News: ''I'm loving their independence. We've been doing some shopping lately and picking out what kind of bed they wanted and their own drapes and they're like designing their own rooms.

''Up until this point, they've kind of shared rooms and now they're kind of individuals. It's watching that individuality come out. It's really cool.''

The comedian recently started dating Nicole Murphy, but previously insisted he would never say anything negative about Mariah and hopes they can both move forward.

In December, he wrote on Twitter: ''I will never say anything negative about @MariahCarey We are forever a family rooted in love.

''I am always an open book but Personal matters are just that 'Personal.' So please respect my family and respect the process.''

''I have no problem being painted as the bad guy. I got tough skin. Keep going! I just pray we ALL can move forward in the new year.''