In a candid conversation on the latest episode of “The Michelle Obama Podcast”, the former First Lady reflected on her family of two daughters and revealed why she’s “so glad” she and President Obama didn’t have a son. Her remark, made while discussing the challenges of raising young Black men in America, struck a chord with listeners nationwide.
“I looked at Sasha and Malia and thought, ‘I don’t know if I could survive the fear I’d carry every day if I had a son,’” Michelle said, her voice tinged with both relief and regret. She pointed to the disproportionate rates at which Black boys face harsh disciplinary measures in schools—an issue detailed in a recent New York Times analysis showing they are four times more likely to be suspended than their peers.
@MichelleObama “Raising Black girls has its challenges, but I wasn’t mentally prepared for the dangers my son would face daily.” View on X
Michelle recounted a memory from 2013, when Secret Service agents advised her husband to avoid certain neighborhoods due to heightened tensions around policing. “I couldn’t imagine sending a son into that,” she said. “It broke my heart to realize how much fear would accompany every milestone—his first bike ride, his prom, even just walking to the corner store.”
Experts back her concerns. A Pew Research Center report found that 58 percent of Black parents worry daily about their sons encountering racial profiling. Psychologist Dr. Jonathan Lamont told CNN that this chronic stress can have lasting impacts on family dynamics and mental health.
@PewResearch “A majority of Black parents express high anxiety about their sons being unfairly targeted by law enforcement.” via X
Despite these challenges, Michelle emphasized the importance of courage and resilience. She described a conversation with Sasha after reading news about a school shooting, where her daughter asked, “Mom, will I ever be safe?” Michelle recalled bracing herself to answer, “Yes, sweetheart—but not until we all work together to change the system.”
Former President Obama weighed in on social media, reposting Michelle’s clip with the comment: “Our girls inspire me every day. We still have work to do so every child—girl or boy—can feel safe.” His acknowledgment underscores the couple’s ongoing commitment to criminal-justice reform and community investment.
@BarackObama “Michelle and I are proud of our girls—and committed to creating a safer world for every child.” via X
In her podcast, Michelle also highlighted positive role models, praising Black fathers who mentor young men through programs like Boys & Girls Clubs and My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. She pointed listeners to a Journal of Family Psychology study that links mentorship to improved academic outcomes and lower dropout rates among Black boys.
@BGCA_National “Mentorship gives youth the confidence to overcome systemic barriers.” via X
The former First Lady’s reflections have reignited conversations about parenting, race, and policy. Social-media activist @TeachTruthGlobal praised her courage: “Michelle Obama speaks truths most avoid—her voice gives power to Black parents everywhere.”
Michelle concluded the episode with a hopeful vision: “I’m grateful for my daughters, but I’ll fight until every parent can raise their son without living in fear.” Her call to action: support equitable education funding, reform policing practices, and expand mental-health resources in underserved communities.
@TeachTruthGlobal “Her honesty sparks the change we desperately need.” via X
As listeners digest her message, Michelle’s blend of personal vulnerability and determined advocacy underscores a universal truth: safety and opportunity for all children—regardless of gender or race—remains an unfinished promise.
