Lessons Working Mothers Can Learn From FLOTUS Michelle Obama

Being a female entrepreneur is no easy task especially as a mother. Two full-time jobs are difficult to handle. One of our favorite mother figures is First Lady Michelle Obama, who often describes herself as a mother first and foremost. Even living a high profile life, the First Lady still attempts to maintain normalcy within the White House walls. Going from a demanding career as a lawyer to an even more demanding one as the first lady of the United States, she manages to maintain her own work-life balance. We can certainly learn some things from this rocking mom.


1. Don’t be apologetic about your children’s needs. In a world where many rather make excuses or feel ashamed about leaving the office or stopping work to attend to their children, Michelle has been confident and has had a “take it or leave it” attitude since her oldest daughter was born. When Michelle was interviewing for a job at the University of Chicago Medical Center, her sitter cancelled and she had to take Sasha into the meeting with her. She didn’t apologize. She simply made the best of the situation and guess what? She got the job. As a business owner you are able to be flexible with your schedule. Don’t apologize if you have to slow down to care for your children’s needs. It is your duty and others should and will understand.

2. Set aside family time. The First Lady only works three days a week and makes sure she is done by the time her daughters are home from school, according to interviews she has granted. She takes work home with her and limits the time that she spends in the public sphere. Like any mom, she limits television and computer time, and even Mr. President has to put his blackberry down at family dinner. Set boundaries for yourself and your family to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy balance between work and life.

3. Be Healthy "What I learned early was that I have to be healthy," she says. "I have to exercise. I have to eat right in order for me to be able to perform at my maximum capacity for my family. And I want my girls to see the model of a mother taking care of herself because, quite frankly, my mother didn't do that." You are a role model for your family. You do it all, and in order to take care of everything that needs to get done, you must be healthy. Eat healthy foods, find innovative ways like Baby Boot Camp to workout, and make exercise a family activity. 

4. Appreciate the small stuff Being a public figure has its drawbacks with privacy being almost non-existent; with power comes powerlessness. FLOTUS is unable to partake in activities such as taking her children to school or trick-or-treating because of the security protocols. Rejoice in your freedom and your ability to take your children to school, walk around the neighborhood, or scheduling a play date. Those are the moments that really count, and you have full access to them as a working mother.

Below are some Michelle Obama quotes on motherhood and family.
“As a mom, I know it is my responsibility, and no one else's, to raise my kids.” 

“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.” 

“My first job in all honesty is going to continue to be mom-in-chief. Making sure that in this transition, which will be even more of a transition for the girls... that they are settled and that they know they will continue to be the center of our universe. “

“My mother's love has always been a sustaining force for our family, and one of my greatest joys is seeing her integrity, her compassion, her intelligence reflected in my daughters. “

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own. “