When it comes to navigating the emotional journey of sending your child off to college, former President Barack Obama has some valuable advice. In a recent interview with Al Roker on Today, Obama shared his experiences as a father, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of this milestone.
Obama humorously noted that you should prepare for a flood of tears when you drop your child off at college. “First tip is you are going to weep copiously when you drop your kid off,” he told Roker. “But make sure he doesn’t see you cry; you leave quickly and then cry in the car instead.” He reminisced about moving his eldest daughter, Malia, into her dorm at Harvard, describing the experience as “like open-heart surgery.” He managed to hold back tears in front of her but admitted that he couldn’t hide his emotions on the way home, even with the Secret Service alongside him.
The Obamas faced similar emotions when they dropped off their younger daughter, Sasha, at the University of Michigan. Michelle shared that they tried to keep their emotions in check, especially in front of Sasha’s roommates. “There were definitely tears,” she said, “but we didn’t want to embarrass her in front of her new friends.” It was only during their final lunch together that the tears truly flowed.
Obama also had practical advice for maintaining connections with your kids once they leave home. “You try to bribe them with nice trips,” he joked, suggesting enticing them to visit with vacations. “Hey, we’re going to Hawaii, want to join?” While not everyone can afford a Hawaiian getaway, the essence of the tip remains: find ways to keep in touch.
Perhaps the most poignant piece of wisdom came from Michelle when Obama reflected on their parenting journey. “Our job as parents is to teach our kids not to need us,” he stated. “It’s painful, but when you see them grow into kind, responsible, and confident individuals, you know you’ve succeeded.”
If you’re interested in more insights into parenting and fertility, be sure to check out this other blog post, and for expert guidance on the subject, visit Intracervical Insemination for authoritative information. For additional resources on planning your family, see this excellent March of Dimes guide.
Search Queries:
- college drop-off tips
- emotional farewell to kids
- parenting advice for empty nesters
- how to cope with kids leaving for college
- maintaining family connections
In summary, Barack Obama’s reflections on the emotional experience of sending kids off to college resonate with many parents. His blend of humor and heartfelt insights, along with practical tips for staying connected, offers valuable guidance for navigating this significant life transition.