Michelle Obama Says Sasha’s Personality Challenged Barack

Former first lady Michelle Obama is once again opening up about her family dynamic.

The public has long been invested in the relationship between Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama — from persistent (and debunked) rumors of marital trouble to their frequent displays of affection, the Obamas have remained a subject of fascination. The couple tied the knot in 1992 and went on to raise two daughters: Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24.

And while the family appears to be tight-knit, Michelle Obama recently shared that raising their youngest wasn’t always easy for her husband. On a Wednesday episode of her podcast, “IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” alongside her brother, she opened up about her daughters’ personalities.

“Sasha is like a cat. She’s like, ’Don’t touch me, don’t pet me. I’m not pleasing you. You come to me, you know? And Barack’s like, well, she’s difficult. I was like, no, the first one was a pleaser,” she revealed.

Earlier in the episode, Michelle Obama reflected on the distinct ways her daughters interact with the world.

“I’d say this to Barack, when it comes to, you know, [our] oldest, Malia, she is going to figure out who you are, what do you like and let’s discuss it,” she said.

While Barack Obama may have found Sasha’s temperament more challenging, Michelle Obama emphasized that parenting requires flexibility — and the ability to adapt.

She noted that parents have to be “chameleons” and adjust to each child’s unique personality.