The Obamas' Parenting Style

Think summer is meant for goofing off, TV and computers? Not so for the Obama girls. No TV or computers during the day! During their 2 months off from school, Malia and Sasha are treated to Camp Obama – carefully planned fun interspersed with history lessons, healthy eating, exercise and volunteering.

In a recent article in the New York Times, President Obama and Michelle’s parenting style of using the world as a classroom was highlighted, emphasizing structure and discipline. Yes, the girls have gone on some fantastic trips with their parents – like Paris and Rome – but along the way they have been taught many a lesson by their parents.

My personal favorite lesson was brought home when the girls went to Ghana where they discussed the slave trade. Not only did they engage in imaginative play about being snatched away from Mom and Dad (a horrible thought) but they also talked about being the slave merchant – discussing the importance of treating people fairly and how their behavior affects others. I love the idea of bringing history alive and applying it to teaching our children life lessons.

No matter what side of the aisle you sit on politically, I think a report like the one in the New York Times is a great reminder to all of us parents to look to the world around us as a classroom.

photo credit: Wikimedia