Everything You Need To Know About Parenting In 10 Obama Quotes
"Every father bears a fundamental obligation to do right by their children."
The Obama presidency is coming to a close (Thanks, Obama), but for the last 8 years Barack Obama has not only been the most powerful leader of the free world, but also a dedicated, and supremely embarrassing, dad. Sasha and Malia have had to endure endless turkey puns, Easter egg hunts, an epic reading of Where The Wild Things Are on the White House lawn, and several pairs of high-waisted jeans. Regardless of how you felt about him as a president, he’s made it abundantly clear he’s got this whole parenting thing on lock. Here’s some of the best dad wisdom from the Oval Office.
On Having A Kid Vs. Raising One
“What I’ve realized is that life doesn’t count for much unless you’re willing to do your small part to leave our children — all of our children — a better world. Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.”
On The First Lady
“Obviously I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle … not only has she been a great first lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day.”
On Nailing The Dad Joke
“Thanksgiving is a family holiday as much as a national one. So for the past 7 years I’ve established another tradition: embarrassing my daughters with a corny-copia of dad jokes about turkeys.”
On The Endgame
“In the end, that’s what being a parent is all about — those precious moments with our children that fill us with pride and excitement for their future, the chances we have to set an example or offer a piece of advice, the opportunities to just be there and show them that we love them.”
On Vicarious Wins
“You just want them to win so bad. And when they actually run a play and it works, you’re just ecstatic. And a couple of heartbreaking losses and you’re feeling terrible. But they’re wonderful.”
On His Daughter’s Best Day Ever
“After I received the news, Malia walked in and said, ‘Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize, and it is Bo’s birthday!’ And then Sasha added, ‘Plus, we have a 3-day weekend coming up.’ So it’s good to have kids to keep things in perspective.”
On The Good Times And Bad
“As fathers, we need to be involved in our children’s lives not just when it’s convenient or easy, and not just when they’re doing well — but when it’s difficult and thankless, and they’re struggling. That is when they need us most.”
On Protecting His Daughters (From The Situation Room)
“The Jonas Brothers are here. They’re out there somewhere. Sasha and Malia are huge fans. But, boys, don’t get any ideas. I have 2 words for you — predator drones. You will never see it coming. You think I’m joking.”
On A Father’s Biggest Responsibility
“Every father bears a fundamental obligation to do right by their children.”
On The Thing That’s Better Than Being President
[To Sasha And Malia] “Of all that I’ve done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad.”
