Michelle Obama Reveals Her Most Cherished Advice For Daughters Malia And Sasha

  • By Rico
  • Jan. 24, 2026, 9 a.m.

Growing Up Under the Spotlight

Growing up in the public eye is no walk in the park, especially for Malia and Sasha Obama. These two young ladies were just ten and seven when their dad, Barack Obama, stepped into the Oval Office back in 2009. Adjusting to life in the White House wasn't just about fancy dinners and meeting world leaders – it was about finding a semblance of normalcy amidst all the chaos.

Leaning on Friendship

Michelle Obama, the ever-inspiring former First Lady, recently spilled the beans on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast about the life advice she treasures most for her daughters. She emphasized the importance of friendship, saying it's as critical as any college degree or job title. "The value of cultivating friendships is important – it's as important as the degree that you got in college, it's as important as the job title and the salary or the dude you're trying to catch or the length of your veil on your wedding dress," Michelle shared.

"You've got to be smart and selective about who you let in," she advised. "Don't be afraid to make friends, be open, stay open…We're all going up this mountain together."

Challenges of a Presidential Playdate

Michelle also reminisced about the unique challenges of arranging playdates for the girls during their White House years. Imagine needing a Social Security number just to have a sleepover! "As these 10 and 11-year-olds are playing in your backyard, and to figure out a way to do that with humor, so you're not scaring off friends. That takes some work," she explained.

She recounted the meticulous process on Sirius XM's "Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa," stating, "It took a lot of intentionality. Mothering my children...that was really my first priority, especially when we first moved in [to the White House]." The focus was on keeping life as normal as possible for Malia and Sasha, despite the constant presence of Secret Service.

Life Beyond the White House

Fast forward to today, and both Malia and Sasha are thriving in Los Angeles. Malia is making waves in the film industry with her directorial debut, "The Heart," set for release in 2024. Meanwhile, Sasha has graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in sociology and is continuing her academic journey.

Michelle's candid reflections offer a glimpse into the delicate balancing act of parenting in the spotlight, and the timeless wisdom she imparts to her daughters as they forge their own paths in the world.

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Author: Rico