Former US First Lady Michelle Obama has faced criticism after saying she does not miss having her adult daughters, Malia and Sasha, living at home.
Obama made the comments during an appearance on Jon Stewart’s “IMO” podcast, where she was asked whether she missed the daily routine of raising her children.
“I’m good,” Obama replied, explaining that she now enjoys having control over her schedule.
She later clarified that her comments did not mean she loved her daughters any less, stressing that she was looking forward to having dinner with them.
“I don’t miss them. I don’t. I love them. I’m going to see them tonight for dinner. I love them,” she said.
Obama also contrasted her reaction with that of her husband, former President Barack Obama, recalling that he became emotional when their daughters left for college.
“But Barack cried when they went to college. I was like, ‘Bye, little — goodbye,’” she said.
She added that she welcomed the freedom that came with her daughters becoming independent, saying, “I love my schedule. I have a great schedule, and it’s all mine.”
Her remarks, however, sparked criticism from some commentators who accused her of sounding resentful about motherhood.
California Republican Party delegate Elizabeth Barcohana said there was a distinction between expressing the difficulties of parenting and appearing unhappy that the active years of raising children had ended.
Despite the backlash, Obama maintained that she had devoted significant time to raising her daughters and knew them “inside and out.”
