Their father was suddenly one of the most recognizable people in the world. Their mother became the first lady. And the place they called home was no longer simply a private family residence. It was a national landmark, a workplace, and a symbol watched by people across the globe.
For Michelle, this created a difficult question that would shape much of her experience as first lady: How could she give her daughters a normal childhood when almost nothing about their circumstances was normal?
A Childhood
That Changed Overnight
When Barack Obama was inaugurated in January 2009, Malia was 10 years old and Sasha was just 7.
At those ages, most children are concerned with homework, friendships, birthday parties, and finding their place in the world. Their biggest worries might involve an upcoming school test, an argument with a friend, or whether their parents will allow them to attend a sleepover.
For the Obama sisters, those ordinary experiences suddenly existed alongside security teams, public appearances, and the realities of being members of the first family.
