Overview

• Michelle Obama prioritized creating a sense of normalcy for her daughters, Malia and Sasha, during their time in the White House, despite intense media scrutiny and Secret Service protocols.
• Her mother, Marian Robinson, played a key role in raising the girls, living with the family throughout Barack Obama's presidency to provide stability and support.
• Michelle described the difficulty of arranging ordinary activities like playdates, which required Secret Service vetting and careful planning to ensure security without alienating other families.
• Navigating Malia and Sasha’s teenage years was particularly challenging, with Michelle calling it a “nightmare” to protect their privacy while they experienced typical rites of passage such as driving, prom, and parties.
• Now in their 20s, Malia works in film and made her directorial debut in 2024, while Sasha is pursuing graduate studies; the sisters currently live together in Los Angeles.