Comments on: Is It a "Gift" for Kids to Grow Up in the White House?

By: Houseonahill

Houseonahill — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Sasha and Malia are very well rounded and sweet girls.

It will be a "gift" of service to their country, is what I suspect she meant.

Having seen her action, Michelle Obama is fiercely protective, almost to the point of rudeness...Secret Service has nothing on her.

I too hope that other White House alum share with them, Chelsea in particular, as she seems to be so poised and a delight.

Great post!

By: Corina

Corina — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:40:00 +0000

My hope is that they stay grounded admist all of the changes. It seems like Mrs. Obama has done a pretty good job so far. I expect that will stay the same.

By: Donna

Donna — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:21:00 +0000

Well, it is a gift of sorts. We move our kids every few years (we’re foreign service), and it is really hard on them to up and switch schools, houses, friends, countries… So if you ask my kids now, no, this lifestyle isn’t a gift. But later, looking back, I expect they’ll appreciate their unique upbringing. I imagine it’ll be the same for the Obama kids. Moving into the WH, with a secret service detail and all the rest of the craziness, won’t be easy. But they’ll get some great memories and opportunities out of it. So looking back, I’d think they’ll remember it as a gift… even if they make their parents’ lives a living hell for the next few months.

My two cents,

By: suburban dyke

suburban dyke — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:27:00 +0000

But what about kids who have queer parents?

Let’s fight back on Proposition 8. Let’s boycott California wines, produce and travel. Let’s publicize it. Let’s embarrass them. It worked a few years ago in Colorado. What do say?

By: Momish

Momish — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:48:00 +0000

You bring up such a good point and it would great if the other ex-WH kids reach out to them.

I still think that no matter what, even with the downfalls and hurdles they will face, they will soak up the experience for all its worth. They just seem that cool.

And it is a gift they will have for the rest of their lives, hurdles and all. Such experiences will only make them stronger in the end. After all, from the day he bagan this race, their lives were changed. They were thrown into the public eye. There would be no going back at this point. Better to go forward in such grand style with such amazing experiences that lay ahead for them all.

And the puppy will definitely help!

By: Kori

Kori — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:17:00 +0000

I would also have to assume that any elite public school the kids will go to, there will be other children of politicians or movie stars or whatever there with their own bodygurds-I dobt it weill even rasie an eyebrow. Will it be hard? I am SURE it will-but I think they have a great foundation laid already, and agree with the above poster wholeheartedly.

By: Holly

Holly — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:19:00 +0000

I don't know. I think it will not be your typical or normal childhood but like many changes in life, it will be what their parents make it. Lots of kids move frequently and there are some John Doe kids who have a very restrictive lifestyle without all the perks of the WH. It won't be easy, but it wouldn't be easy if the family were in the military or one of their parents were a minister which might require a move every few years either.

One of the things I have watched through the election is body language and consistency. Both Barack and Michelle are comfortable with themselves and with their children. After Barack took the stage with his family, as the girls left the stage with their mother, she was holding their hands talking to them. It was a natural, easy thing for them. It was not put on, or false or stiff. That speaks volumes to me. As did the comment about earning the puppy that will come to the WH with the kids. They are important enough to Barack that he will honor his promise to them and acknowledged it on national TV with the nation watching. Is it a big thing? No and yes. It's another behavioral indication that he is what he is and where his priorities lie. Puppies are easy to come by for anyone, he did not have to say that out loud, but he did. A parent who is that honest, is probably going to be hip deep in parenting before he got there and will not forget his babies now. I also watched him leave his campaign to attend to his grandmother. And again, it was the tone, the body language and the body language that went along with that hiccup in his campaigning that I watched. He took care of his family matters the way you or I would. Quietly and with surety.

I don't see this as being a disaster, I think they are hands on parents and will make sure their kids are as balanced and happy as they can be.

By: BananaBlueberry

BananaBlueberry — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:04:00 +0000

good point;

I think there will be tough times for them but I think it always comes down to the parents and I think the Obamas are good parents...

and it's so nice that they have your tree house to play in anytime with Punditgirl !

By: Smiling Mama

Smiling Mama — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

I was thinking this same thing. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful new First Family but for those girls, well, it will be tough. I hope Chelsea does reach out to them.

By: jen lemen

jen lemen — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:40:00 +0000

madeleine is ten and in fourth grade. i hear you. in my dream world they get to have playdates, secret service in your treehouse and all.