Parenting The Obama Way
No doubt that the spotlight has been cast on the President-elect’s whole family. Ever since he started out on his journey to the White House, every eye and ear has been turned towards Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two girls. Obama supporter or not, parents might pick up a tip or two from how the first couple-to-be are raising their children, don’t you think?
The Chicago Tribune published an article today on some key points on how the Obamas deal with their kids. Here are those points:
Discipline: Kids have an 8 p.m. bedtime, make their beds every morning and set their own alarms each night.
Ok, check.
Be involved: Parents try to never miss a parent-teacher conference or dance recital.
Check.
Keep routines: Parents drive the daughters to school—even when Dad’s not really “driving” and is flanked by Secret Service.
Check – most of the time at least.
Carve out couple time: Barack and Michelle Obama maintain “date” nights to maintain sanity.
Check and double check!
Never underestimate the power of Grandma: Marian Robinson, Michelle’s mom, is credited with baby-sitting during the busy campaign and is invited to live, at least part time, in Washington to help with the girls.
Check again.
Be in touch: When you’re on the road, call home every night.
A most definite check!
Protect the kids’ privacy: When a photographer got too close as Dad walked Sasha to a Halloween party, he snapped, “You’ve got a shot. Leave us alone.”
Check – I guess. We don’t have photographers following us around.
Read to your kids: Ann Walker Marchant, a family friend, said she watched Obama read to his children even when his voice was hoarse from campaigning.
Again a vehement check.
No spoiling: The Obamas told Barbara Walters they wanted the kids to feel special to their parents, but not better than anyone else.
Hard, but getting there.
Play together: Friends and neighbors describe the Obamas participating in Saturday outings playing Scrabble and Twister.
Check.
Teach them to help those less fortunate: The family volunteered at a Chicago food pantry the day before Thanksgiving.
Check! Now would be a good time to show the kids the value of giving to those who are in need.
Keep it casual: Envisioning life in the White House, the Obamas say they can see kids running down the halls, popping into the Oval Office after school and having sleepovers.
Definitely. We’re as casual as casual can be.
Now wasn’t that an interesting checklist? How does your parenting fare?
December 15th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Thank you very much for the great post. I really respect the successful people on his or her career with balanced and successful family life as well.