Former First Lady Michelle Obama says she has no regrets about raising only daughters — and even cracked a joke about what life might’ve been like if she had a son.
Speaking on a recent episode of her podcast “IMO” (In Michelle Obama), which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, Michelle offered candid reflections on parenting, gender expectations, and raising the next generation.
When the topic turned to the challenges of raising boys today, she delivered a dose of her signature wit and wisdom.
“People say mothers raise their daughters and love their sons,” Michelle began. “I say — love your sons, but raise them, too.”
She stressed the importance of instilling empathy, responsibility, and emotional intelligence in young men. “Teach him how to deal with a traffic stop but also how to be a listening husband, a present father, and a voting citizen who cares about more than himself.”
Guest Angie Martinez, a celebrated New York radio personality, responded playfully: “You should’ve thrown a boy in the mix!”
Michelle didn’t miss a beat: “I’m so glad I didn’t have a boy, because he would’ve been a Barack Obama.” She laughed, before adding, “No — I would have felt for him.”
Craig Robinson chimed in, noting that his sister had always been close to his sons. “She just borrowed ours,” he said fondly.
Michelle and Barack Obama, married since 1992, have two daughters: Malia, 26, and Sasha, 24. Though they spent much of their childhood in the public eye, both have sought privacy as young adults.
Malia recently dropped her famous surname when releasing her debut short film The Heart in Hollywood, opting to be credited as Malia Ann — a move Michelle says she respects as part of her daughter’s journey to self-definition.
“I get it,” she said. “She’s making her way.”
Michelle’s third book, The Look, is due out later this year.
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