Issue Date: May 10, 2009
ParentSmart |
ALLYSON DICKMAN |
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Mother's Day lessons from the new "mom-in-chief" Michele Obama
Michelle Obama's skills as a lawyer, administrator, civic leader and hands-on mom make her a great parenting role model, says Jamie Woolf, author
Obama shows her girls the value of friendship by keeping in touch with Chicago pals.
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of the new book "Mom-in-Chief: How Wisdom From the Workplace Can Save Your Family From Chaos." Among the moves Obama's made that Woolf supports:
Be involved. Despite her full schedule, Obama attends parent-teacher conferences and school events.
Eat together. Research shows that when families do so at least five times a week, kids are less likely to engage in reckless behavior. The Obamas have breakfast together and as many family dinners as possible.
Don't create entitled kids. Sasha and Malia make their beds and care for Bo, their new puppy. Regular chores instill responsibility.
Ask for help. Obama didn't hesitate to call on her mother, Marian Robinson, to move to the White House to help her granddaughters transition.
Make self-care a priority. Take time, like Obama does, to exercise or get a manicure. Your good mood will be contagious.
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