AT FIRST, lockdown seemed like a blessing in disguise. In between writing books, running a podcast, speaking engagements and making documentaries, the former first couple hadn’t been spending much quality time with their kids – especially as the girls had been away at college.
But then the shutters clanged shut and everyone had to stay at home. And the Obamas embraced it.
Yet after months of isolating together, they’ve proved one thing: they’re just like us. The novelty has well and truly worn off and they’re a bit fed up with one another.
“I think first our kids got a little sick of us, which was fine because we were pretty much sick of them,” Michelle (56) admits.
In a candid conversation about their life in lockdown, Michelle told talk show host Conan O’Brien that her daughters, Malia (22) and Sasha (19), are “no longer thrilled” about being cooped up under one roof.
At first they loved the long days at the family home in Washington DC. Michelle, Barack and the girls would retreat to their own spaces where they concentrated on their respective projects.
“The girls were still in classes in the spring and we’d be working and then doing a little exercise, and then come together in the evenings,” Michelle says. “We had these activities – we’d have cocktails and then we’d all work on puzzles and play games.
“We actually had some organised things too, like we had an art exhibit day where we all went off and did watercolour paintings and then we showed them [to each other] later.”
Denne historien er fra 8 October 2020-utgaven av YOU South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra 8 October 2020-utgaven av YOU South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William