Obama's example: Putting family first

[babylonsister]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/21/INME187SL7.DTL


Obama's example: Putting family first

Jennifer Weiss

Sunday, June 21, 2009



On this Father's Day, the American public should proudly note that our president takes his personal role as father (and spouse) as seriously as he does his job as father of the country. The nation has become better acquainted with President Obama in his first five months of office, and we've learned that his value to our society goes far beyond his vision for ending the economic crisis, his passion for reducing our dependence on foreign oil and his efforts to woo foreign leaders. He also has spent hours wooing some key decision-makers closer to home, namely Sasha, Malia and Michelle, and invaluable lessons are to be learned from his example.

Here's a quick tutorial from Obama's playbook showing American fathers and husbands how it's done.

1. The president has dinner with his family most nights.

It is true that Obama has a less arduous commute than many American fathers. But let's not forget that before (and after) dinner, he is juggling a big load of work - all of which can't really wait until tomorrow. And if he finds the time to take a family break, maybe you should, too.

2. The president attends his daughters' parent-teacher conferences.

Yes, parent-teacher conferences always come at the worst time, smack-dab in the middle of the workday or in that intense 5-8 p.m. period when many workers are trying to fit in one more meeting or finish up one more assignment. But Obama seems to rearrange his schedule to meet with his kids' teachers so he can gain some insight into their educational development. You, too, could make that kind of commitment - without ever worrying about being lobbied for higher teacher salaries or scrapping No Child Left Behind.

3. The president manages to exercise every day before work.

So you might not have a gym or basketball court in your home like the commander in chief, but that shouldn't deter you from finding time to work out. Part of being a good father is staying healthy so that you can be around for your kids for a good long time. You might think that there just aren't enough hours in the day for you to exercise and that your work should crowd out anything less pressing. But we don't see you meeting regularly with G8 heads of state, now, do we?

4. The president has read all of the Harry Potter books with his daughter Malia.

Getting through the Harry Potter series indicates that the president has devoted many weekends to reading with his children, and we all know the value of that. His ability to speak authoritatively on the subjects that interest them - such as debating the merits of the houses of Slytherin and Gryffindor - elevates him to super-dad status. Isn't that something to which you should aspire?

On the spouse front, the president's actions have not gone unnoticed, either. Here are just a few of the more notable Obama moves:

-- The president has a weekly date night with Michelle. It helps to have a mother-in-law able to babysit, but kudos to the president for making sure it happens.

-- The president compliments Michelle in public and does not have to be begged to hit the dance floor. The president took many opportunities during his speeches on the campaign trail to praise Michelle. And who could deny he cut a rug at all those inauguration parties?

-- The president invited his mother-in-law to move in with his family. While there were ample incentives for Marian Robinson's move into the White House for all parties involved, proffering such an invitation could be the holy grail of a husband's commitment.

Come next Father's Day, our banking crisis might not be wholly resolved, the auto industry might not be on its feet again, and health care coverage might not be fully available to the uninsured. But we can only hope that fathers and spouses everywhere will be thinking "What Would Obama Do?" as they navigate through the murky waters of parenthood and family life.

[Deja Q]

1. K&R a thousand million times if I could.

Americans have a GREAT President. A REAL role model. And a REAL man who IS concerned about his children's future.

Thank YOU for posting. :thumbsup:

And most certainly, thank YOU, President Obama, for being a role model in ways society has been lacking for far too long.

[jwirr]

2. My grandson & his fiancee were going through counseling with our

pastor before their wedding. The pastor told my grandson that he should follow President Obama's example and set up a weekly date night. This president is a very good family example for all couples to follow.

[Clio the Leo]

3. Today in his sermon, my father admonished all of the fathers in attendance....

.... the greatest gift they could give their children was to show them that they loved their mother.

AFTER I thought of my father and mother, I dont have to tell you who my mind drifted to....



THEN my father denounced the violence in Iran saying fathers cant be dictators because you cant force someone to do anything. Good sermon. ;)

[BlooInBloo]

4. Up next: my playbook instructing women on how to be better wives and mothers.

:P

[Hutzpa]

5. meh!

are you trying to deaf our eyes and blind our ears.....:rofl: