Michelle Obamahas touted the importance of showing your children you’re capable of struggling, amid divorce rumors between herself and Barack, 64.
The former First Lady, 61, had a robust discussion with television writer and film producer Mara Brock Ali on her podcast IMO about the importance of being vulnerable in front of your children.
The author cryptically told her guest, ‘sometimes we don’t realize we parent out of our fears; we parent out of our of our desire not to feel the hurt, and we couch it in terms of, “we’re doing it for them.’
‘[Our children] need to see our flaws,’ the mom-of-two insisted. ‘It is so helpful for them.’
Last week, Michelle revealed she shared her past struggles with her daughtersMalia, 27, and Sasha, 24.
‘It’s something Barack and I try to remember all the time, seeing the vulnerability, seeing the fears, it kind of gives them, I’ve found, permission to have those same emotions,’ she shared.
‘We think we’re shielding them but when my girls perk up its when we talk about failure right?’ she continued. ‘And to see two parents who have succeeded at a certain level, we have to make it a point right?’
The IMO host continued: ‘They weren’t around when we were grinding, struggling, we lost congressional bid, when I failed the bar the first time, when we had an argument – they were too young for that.’
Michelle Obama has touted the importance of showing your children you’re capable of struggling, amid divorce rumors between herself and Barack, 64
The Obama’s – whose marriage has been plagued with divorce rumors in recent months – raised Malia and Sasha in the White Housefrom 2009 to 2017 while Barack served two terms as President.
However, it appears that to Michelle, his commitment may have put a strain on his parenting.
The author was talking to guests, NBAlegends Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, when the latter mentioned potentially dabbling in politics – but expressed his concern about how it would affect his parenting.
‘Do you think you might get into politics?’ the former first lady asked.
‘I could, I love politics,’ Matt, 45, replied, adding he’s particularly interested in helping create policies that help low-income areas and initially wanted to be the mayor of his hometown by 50.
The former Golden State Warriors player also acknowledged the commitment it takes.
‘I have a six-year-old and 11-month-old [and] 16-year-old twins,’ he continued.’So daddy duty is first and foremost.’
‘Absolutely,’ Michelle quickly responded. ‘Politics will suck the life out of that,’ in what appeared to be a pointed barb at her spouse.
The author cryptically told her guest, ‘sometimes we don’t realize we parent out of our fears; we parent out of our of our desire not to feel the hurt’, amid divorce rumors
Michelle has often given insight into how she and Barack approached parenting their daughters, Malia, now 27, and Sasha, now 24
Last week, Michelle made a snide comment regarding the former president during the latest episode of her IMO podcast, saying politics will ‘suck the life out of that’
The comment comes as ongoing rumors continue to swirl that she and Barack are having marital issues.
Speculation over the state of their relationship began after her decision to skip both Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration – with Michelle insisting they were decisions she made for herself.
Her absence at the high-profile political events stoked divorce rumors, as did President Obama’s admission in April that he was in a ‘deep deficit’ with his wife.
In July, they addressed divorce rumors on the podcast.
‘There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quitting my man,’ Michelle said passionately about Barack.
She continued: ‘And we’ve had some really hard times. So, we had a lot of fun times, a lot of adventures, and I have become a better person because of the man I’m married to.’
Earlier in the month, the coupleprofessed their love in sweet tributes on their 33rd wedding anniversary.
The couple, whose marriage has been subjected to rift rumors all year, delighted in voicing their adoration for one another on their special day.
Both Michelle and Barack uploaded the same adorable selfie to Instagram in which they exuded happiness as they posed cheek to cheek.
In her caption, Michelle said: ‘We’ve been on quite the journey over the last 33 years—and yet, I love you even more today than the day we said “I do.”
‘Happy anniversary, @BarackObama! I’m so lucky to go through life with you.’
Meanwhile, Barack praised his wife’s ‘strength’ and ‘grace.’
‘The best decision I ever made was marrying you, @MichelleObama,’ he penned.
‘For 33 years, I’ve admired your strength, grace, and determination — and the fact that you look so good doing it all. Happy anniversary!’
