Michelle Obama has ignited a discussion among parents after sharing her feelings about her daughters, Malia and Sasha, being grown and out of the house. On a recent episode of her podcast, "IMO," which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, Obama confessed that she "doesn't miss" her daughters, now 28 and 25.
"I don't miss 'em," Obama stated with a laugh during a conversation with Robinson and guest Jon Stewart. She elaborated that while she loves her daughters and sees them regularly, the absence of the constant worry associated with their youth has brought a sense of relief. "Now, Friday nights aren't wrecked with terror and fear about, 'Where are you, where are you?'" she explained. Obama added that she appreciates her daughters' "growth" since their "emancipation" and enjoys the freedom to create her own schedule.
Malia graduated from Harvard University in 2021 and has begun a career in Hollywood, with her directorial debut, "The Heart," released in 2024. Sasha graduated from the University of Southern California in 2023.
The former first lady's comments, which were widely shared online, prompted a strong reaction. Some, like Meghan McCain, expressed disbelief, stating, "I am obsessed with my children. Obsessed with them. I cried when my daughter started pre-school two days a week." Others shared similar sentiments, with one user writing, "I tell my soon-to-be 23-year-old that I wish she would move back in! I miss her so much!"
Conversely, many parents defended Obama's perspective. Supporters pointed out that parenting experiences differ and that celebrating children's independence can be a positive aspect of the empty nest phase. "Everyone's different. I was excited for my kids to gain independence and to see who they've become," one user commented. Another added, "College for them is vacation for you."