"I don't miss them": Michelle Obama sparked a storm following her remarks about her daughters

Michelle Obama sparked criticism in the US over the weekend following remarks she made on the "IMO" podcast about life after her daughters, Malia and Sasha, left home. In a conversation with Jon Stewart, the former First Lady was asked if she misses the time when she raised them at home, and she replied briefly: "I'm okay." Later, she was more explicit, saying: "I don't miss them. I really don't. I love them" — a statement that drew attacks online and among conservative commentators.

The conversation began after Stewart described how the daily responsibility involved in raising children gave his life meaning and structure. When he asked Obama if she misses that stage, she replied that she does not feel that way.

"I don't miss them. I really don't. I love them. I'm going to see them tonight for dinner. I love them," she said.

She then compared her reaction to that of her husband, former President Barack Obama, when the daughters left for college. "Barack cried when they went to college. I was like: 'Bye, little one — see you later'."

Michelle explained that alongside the love for her daughters, their departure also removed some of the constant worry that accompanied their teenage years. "Now Friday nights aren't ruined by the fear and terror of 'Where are you? Where are you?'", she said.

The remarks sparked criticism. Elizabeth Berkoune, a Republican Party representative in California and a mother herself, argued that there is a difference between a parent admitting to the difficulty and burnout involved in raising children and a feeling of resentment toward motherhood. "There is a difference between a mother expressing exhaustion from the demands of motherhood — a real thing that one can identify with — and expressing resentment," she said. According to her, that is the impression that arises from Obama's words. She added: "It seems she is happy that her daughters' childhood is over. This is not a feeling that most mothers can identify with."

Conservative commentator Matt Walsh also attacked Obama, claiming she sounded eager to be freed from the demands that raising her children imposed. Political commentator Link Lauren joined the criticism and claimed that the podcast presents her as someone who complains again and again about her life and her family.

Obama herself provided a completely different explanation for her words. From her perspective, the fact that she does not miss the years when the daughters lived at home does not indicate distance from them, but rather that she is satisfied with their independence and feels that she dedicated a lot of time to them during their childhood. "I love my schedule. I have a great schedule, and it is all mine," she said. "I had so much quality time with my children. So much. I know them inside and out."

Michelle has previously referred to the efforts the couple made to maintain family life even during the eight years in the White House. Last year, she praised Barack for his performance as a father and emphasized that both of them tried to make time for their daughters despite the demands of the presidential role. "It was important to both of us, me and Barack, to make that time during the eight years when our daughters were in their formative years," she explained.