Latest news with #MichelleObama:TheLightPodcast
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Michelle Obama says she SMACKED daughters before one thing changed her mind
Reflecting on motherhood, Michelle Obama, who was First Lady for eight years from 2009 to 2017, said she stopped using physical discipline after she "felt embarrassed" Michelle Obama has opened up about how she used to smack her daughters - until she took time to reflect on her parenting. The former First Lady, 61, stopped using physical discipline when she "felt embarrassed" about her actions, she said in a podcast. Reflecting on motherhood, Michelle, who shares daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, with Barack Obama, said: "I felt silly. It took a couple of spankings for me to be like, yeah, you know what? I don't want to do this anymore." Striking a child is illegal in Scotland and Wales, and campaign groups have argued it should also be outlawed in England and Northern Ireland. Currently, the spanking of children is legal in all 50 states in the US. But Michelle, herself born in Chicago, Illinois, decided against her approach after just a small number of incidences. The mother of two continued: "It took a couple of spankings for me to be like, 'yeah, you know what? I don't want to do this anymore.'" She added: "I felt like, you know, this is a little kid. And the fact that I can't think of any better way to get my point across than to smack somebody on the butt - I felt embarrassed." But speaking on podcast Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, with her brother, Craig Robinson, and guests Damon and Marlon Wayans, the law graduate insisted her remarks weren't meant to judge or shame other parents. Known for her advocacy work and candid reflections on motherhood, Michelle also addressed "new-school parenting" in the podcast. She said: "I want to be a proponent for reinstating some of the stuff that we had... When kids say, 'I hate my mom,' it's like, you better say that in your head, in your room.' You don't say that out loud... Parents are too afraid to set those kinds of boundaries. I think that's also part of the challenge that we're facing in this generation." Michelle's comments come hours after a new study showed 90% of social workers, 75% of teachers and 51% of the police think that the law in England should be changed to end the use of physical punishment against children. It would follow the changes made in Scotland and, most recently, Wales, which made smacking illegal on March 21, 2022. And the podcast has sparked reaction - both positive and negative - from listeners here in the UK and overseas. Many praised Michelle, who married Barack in 1992, for her honesty. One fan, also a mum, posted on social media: "I understand that feeling of frustration which can lead to spanking but it is good to reflect."
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michelle Obama admits she SPANKED her daughters
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has opened up about a very personal chapter in her parenting journey: spanking. On a recent episode of her Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, the mom-of-two revealed that she had previously resorted to spanking her daughters - but ultimately changed her approach after realizing how it made her feel. Michelle, who shares daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, with husband and former U.S. President Barack Obama, spoke candidly with her brother, Craig Robinson, and guests Damon and Marlon Wayans about the moment she decided to stop using physical discipline. 'I felt silly,' the 61-year-old said. 'It took a couple of spankings for me to be like, yeah, you know what? I don't want to do this anymore.' She described a moment of reflection that made her reconsider how she was showing up as a parent. 'I felt like, you know, this is a little kid,' she explained. 'And the fact that I can't think of any better way to get my point across than to smack somebody on the butt - I felt embarrassed.' Obama's insisted that the remarks weren't meant to judge or shame other parents. Instead, they reflected her personal growth and how her parenting style has evolved over time. Michelle, known for her advocacy work and candid reflections on motherhood, acknowledged the complexities of discipline in today's world. That said, she also made it clear she doesn't completely align with what some would call 'new-school parenting.' 'I want to be a proponent for reinstating some of the stuff that we had,' she said, referencing values from earlier generations. While she may have moved away from physical punishment, she is still a firm believer in setting boundaries. She used a humorous example to illustrate her point: 'When kids say, "I hate my mom," it's like, you better say that in your head, in your room,' she said with a laugh. 'You don't say that out loud.' For Michelle, it is not about being strict for the sake of control - but rather about guiding children with clarity and consistency. 'Parents are too afraid to set those kinds of boundaries,' she said. 'And I think that's also part of the challenge that we're facing in this generation.' Her comments sparked thoughtful conversation online, with many praising her honesty. Some parents said they related to the feeling of frustration that can lead to spanking - and the internal reckoning that follows. Throughout her public life, Michelle has often spoken about the highs and lows of parenting, always with a sense of humility and humor. Her recent comments are another reminder that even high-profile figures navigate universal parenting dilemmas. Michelle stated that the goal isn't perfection - it's learning, evolving, and doing the best you can for your children. 'We're all trying to figure it out,' she said. 'And sometimes that means admitting when something just doesn't feel right.'
Black America Web
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She Skipped Trump's Inauguration
Source: SUZANNE CORDEIRO / Getty Michelle Obama is finally speaking out about one of the most talked-about moments of her post–White House life: why she chose not to attend Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). In a candid conversation on the latest episode of her podcast 'Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast' — co-hosted by her brother Craig Robinson — the former First Lady said that although the decision wasn't easy, it was necessary for her own well-being. During a discussion with actress Taraji P. Henson, Michelle explained that skipping the event was a personal boundary, not a political stunt. She shared that she intentionally made the choice impossible to walk back by not even preparing an outfit. 'I basically tricked myself,' she said. 'I told my team, 'Don't get me a dress. I don't even want the option.'' Michelle admitted that if she had gotten ready, the pressure to attend might have overtaken her instincts. 'If I had a dress, I probably would've gone and done the 'right' thing,' she said. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. The public, however, speculated otherwise. Rumors swirled that her absence was a sign of trouble in her marriage with Barack Obama, who did attend the inauguration. Michelle set the record straight, making it clear that her decision had nothing to do with their relationship. In fact, she emphasized that after everything she's done in service to the country, she shouldn't have to constantly prove her patriotism or perfection. 'If after all I've done, I still have to prove I love this country, that I'm doing the right thing, then all I'm doing is keeping up with that unrealistic bar our mothers and grandmothers had to meet,' Michelle explained. The 61-year-old author of Becoming said learning to say 'no' has been a major part of her growth, calling it a 'muscle' that she's just now beginning to build. She hopes her decision encourages young women to practice setting boundaries — even when it's uncomfortable or goes against public expectations. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! Michelle, who also opted out of President Jimmy Carter's funeral earlier this year, says she's not trying to be a rebel — she's just being true to herself. Sources have noted that she's been quietly stepping away from the political spotlight, choosing instead to live a more intentional and private life outside of Washington, D.C. As for her marriage, Michelle and Barack are still going strong after 32 years. Despite spending more time apart publicly, she recently shared on another podcast that their bond is unshaken. Barack even joked at a college appearance that he tries to plan fun activities with her to make up for the strain the presidency placed on their relationship. Michelle and Barack tied the knot in 1992 and share two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, who now live together in Los Angeles. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She Skipped Trump's Inauguration was originally published on
