All The Ways Barack & Michelle Obama Put Sasha First 》

When he was president, Barack Obama had to put the country first. And that could sometimes be a strain when it came to balancing his life as the president and his life as a parent.

Perhaps this explains the shift in focus once he was out of office. This was a period of major change and transition for both Barack and Michelle Obama. And with Malia heading off to college at this point, the two seemingly put Sasha Obama first when it came to every decision.

Don’t believe it? Let’s take a peek at all the ways Barack and Michelle Obama put Sasha first.

Staying in D.C. so Sasha could finish school

Before moving to Washington, D.C., the Obamas lived in Chicago. And many people assumed they’d be moving back to Chicago after Barack left office. Interestingly, though, they stayed in Washington D.C. instead.

Why keep living in D.C. when they could live in Chicago (or pretty much anyplace else in the world)? Simple: Sasha was still attending the Sidwell Friends school in 2017. And Barack and Michelle decided they’d rather cool their heels than disrupt Sasha’s education.

Influencing where the family moved

In all likelihood, the Obamas won’t continue to live in Washington forever. But where will they move when the time comes?

Initially, staying in D.C. was a matter of letting Sasha finish school. But she is now finished, and like her sister Malia, she is now attending college.

Nonetheless, her influence is still felt in the Obama household. Back in 2013, Barack told Barbara Walters that Sasha was going to have “a big say” in where they lived next. And if nothing else, Sasha has “a big room” in their current house!

Her large suite in their home

Children often have to fight for space in their parent’s homes. And it’s common for young children to get smaller rooms while the larger spaces get transformed into things like guest rooms and offices.

However, that is not the case with Barack and Michelle Obama’s current home. The two live in a sprawling Tudor home, complete with nice touches like a tasteful terrace and an eye-catching garden.

And where does Sasha kick it when she visits back home? She actually has a two-room suite of her very own. With its own living room area and bedroom, it’s like Sasha has her own small hotel room within her parent’s house.

Her parents are well aware of how lucky she has it. Speaking to Ellen in 2018, Michelle described it this way: “Sasha actually killed in this house.” And considering that Sasha’s private suite is bigger than many studio apartments, we have to agree with Michelle!

Letting her design her room

Giving Sasha such a large space already shows how much Barack and Michelle prioritized her happiness. However, they went the extra mile and also let Sasha design the space however she wanted.

While we don’t know the Obamas’ full motivation, it’s possible they saw this as an opportunity to encourage Sasha to be more independent. Once she gets used to living in a suite and handling the decorations, it becomes that much easier for her to live on her own when she’s at college.

Then again, Sasha actually has roommates at college to deal with. At least when she visits home, she can relax in this spacious little paradise that she designed!

Better than Barack

Some skeptics may wonder how big a deal Sasha’s suite really is. For example, a skeptic might think “I bet Barack still got the bigger room.” But that assumption would be dead wrong!

In that same discussion with Ellen, Michelle laid her cards on the table when it comes to housing arrangements. Talking about her husband Barack, she said, “ He’s got the smallest room for his office. So he’s really hating on her.”

Obviously, the latter part is a very light-hearted joke. But it really says something about priorities when one of the most powerful people in the world crams himself into a small office so that his daughter can stretch out in a nice two-room suite!

The next chapter

Putting Sasha first has been a pretty natural decision for Barack and Michelle Obama. After all, Sasha was the “baby” of the family, and they needed to look out for her even after Malia moved out to start her own adventures.

Now, though, the same has happened with Sasha. She is now attending the University of Michigan, having turned away from the Ivy League route that her sister took (Malia went to Harvard).

So, will Barack and Michelle continue to put Sasha first? Let’s put it this way: that posh two-room suite isn’t going to go away anytime soon!