Michelle Obama Advocates for Working Mothers
During a recent visit to the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” former First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her belief that mothers should continue pursuing their careers. She pointed out that children often don’t recognize the sacrifices their mothers make.
Michelle, who has two adult daughters, Malia and Sasha, shared her thoughts on the podcast, stating that she wouldn’t recommend women step away from their professional paths. As kids grow older, they tend to crave independence and may overlook their mother’s efforts, which can feel quite disheartening.
“Let’s be honest about this situation. I keep telling young moms that it’s going to happen,” she remarked. “You shouldn’t feel like you need to derail your career. Kids grow up quickly and once they leave, they might act like you never made those sacrifices for them.”
She added that children might casually say things like, “We remember you, but we don’t need you anymore.” It’s important, she suggested, for mothers to retain a sense of self, something that can provide purpose once the kids are grown. “You’ve dedicated everything to them, and then what do you do? You need to keep something for yourself as a cushion,” she advised.
However, Michelle also acknowledged that motherhood can impede a woman’s career progression and advised patience. “If you’re going to live to be 80 or 90, you have plenty of time,” she noted. “I made sacrifices for my husband’s presidency, but I still managed to keep my career going as a lawyer, run a nonprofit, and raise well-adjusted kids. They’re not perfect, but they’re really, really good. Remember, we have time — it just requires a more relaxed approach.”
In a separate appearance on a show called “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,” she further emphasized the challenges women face, stating that there are numerous societal barriers that can make women feel constrained. She encouraged men, especially those raising daughters, to recognize these challenges and work toward understanding and supporting their growth.
