Politixia
Michelle Obama is sharing why she loves being an empty nester, and fellow moms online are loving it.
The former first lady, who shares two daughters with her husband Barack Obama, gave her blunt take on what it’s like when kids go off to college, and parents find themselves entering a new phase.
Obama was joined by “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart on the “IMO” podcast she co-hosts with brother Craig Robinson, and the three reflected on their individual experiences with this parenting transition.
“I don’t miss them,” Obama said on the Aug. 26 episode. “I love them, I’m going to see them tonight for dinner, but Barack cried when they went to college. I was like, ‘Goodbye!’”
Michelle and Barack’s two daughters, Malia Ann, 28, and Natasha Sasha, 25, graduated from Harvard and the University of Southern California, respectively.
Beneath her frankness, she pointed to relief that she no longer worries on Friday nights about what time they will be home.
“I love their emancipation and growth,” she said.
Stewart shared that he misses the “job” of parenting: the meaning and pattern his kids’ schedule brought. Obama explained the reality of her relationship with motherhood in respect to the rest of her life.
“I’m good,” Obama declared. “Look at all this meaning I have. I have a wonderful pattern.”
This episode of “IMO” got a strong online response, with many mothers thanking Obama for speaking her truth and making them feel seen.
“Spoken like a mom!” one person commented.
“Yes! This makes me feel better. I say the same things and people look at me like I’m a mysterious monster😂” another wrote.
“She’s different,” her brother, whose younger children are still high schoolers, said between laughs. “I love my schedule.”
“I love my schedule,” Obama responded. “I have a great schedule, and it’s all mine.”
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