Michelle Obama 'Struggled' Raising Daughters While In White House, Called Barack A 'Great Father'

Michelle Obama, 55, and Barack Obama, 58, share two daughters – Malia Ann, 21, and Sasha, 18. The family moved into the White House in 2009. While living there, the former First Lady revealed that they had to pretend all “craziness” surrounding them are not existing.

Speaking to CBS’ Gayle King during Essence Festival in New Orleans in August, Michelle divulged she told Malia and Sasha to focus on what they needed to do despite their father being the most powerful man in the United States at the time. She even shared her “struggles” in maintaining a normal family life throughout their time in the White House.

“I had no choice but to adjust to Barack’s absences anyway because they weren’t slated to end,” Michelle Obama wrote in her hit book called “Becoming.” The American lawyer even revealed she had to remind her better half to either show-up or he would miss putting Malia and Sasha to bed.

Though not perfect, Michelle told Oprah Winfrey at Chicago’s United Center that Barack Obama is a “great father” amid his whirlwind career in politics. “The first people we don't want to disappoint are our kids. Even when he's away, he calls every night. People will suck you dry, and they don't think about the fact that you have two kids,” Michelle said. She added that the former President of the United States loves attending his daughters’ ballet recitals and parent-teacher meetings.

Michelle Obama revealed to Marie Claire, in 2008, that she and Barack would pass the same lessons her parents taught her and her brother, Craig Robinson. “Growing up, my parents worked to instill a sense of pride and self-confidence in me and my brother,” she said. “They taught us to work hard, pursue our dreams, and not worry about things that are beyond our control,” Michelle went on.

Meanwhile, Michelle is said to be signing books at Politics and Prose on Nov. 18 in Upper Northwest to commemorate the one-year anniversary of her memoir. For starters, “Becoming” was published in 2018. In the book, Michelle Obama discussed how she found her voice. She also talked about her roots, public health advocacy, her life in the White House and motherhood.