Michelle Obama reveals her unique parenting idea to fellow mom Jennifer Garner

Michelle has her own twist on the 'Yes Day' concept

Michelle Obama speaks with a local book group about her book "Becoming" at the Tacoma Public Library main branch on March 24, 2019 in Tacoma, Washington
(Image credit: Photo by Jim Bennett/Getty Images)

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama has opened up to actor Jennifer Garner about being a mom and shared a pretty unique parenting idea she could try in the future. 

Michelle and Barack Obama are devoted parents to Malia (22) and Sasha (19). Since their time living in the White House, Malia and Sasha have grown up and gained a new sense of independence. Many fans of the family might be wondering what Michelle Obama is doing now, whilst others will be eager to get out their best induction pans and pick up some kitchen tips from the former First Lady’s new cooking show. It may be aimed at kids, but it’s thought there will be plenty of laughs for adults too. 

If that wasn’t exciting enough, now proud mom Michelle has candidly spoken to actor Jennifer Garner about being a mother. She and Jennifer spoke on Instagram and went on to discuss Jennifer’s new film, Yes Day. The fun family comedy follows a mom who has no option but to say “yes” to all of her children’s demands for a day. 

It may not sound too daunting, but when you really think about it, who knows what you’ll have to agree to?

'It scares me, the possibility of living like that with my kids,' Michelle revealed, to which Jennifer assured her that you’re not supposed to have a ‘Yes Day’ every day and that for her, it's a rare but exciting thing. 

When asked by the former First Lady if she and her children have a ‘Yes Day’ once a year or once a month, Jennifer joked: “Oh gosh, once a month, oh my gosh, once a week, bite your tongue, Mrs. Obama.”

Jennifer, who is mom to Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel then explained: “I do Yes Day usually at the end of the summer when I’ve run out of anything fun.”

Whilst this does sound great as an occasional treat, Michelle then revealed a pretty unique parenting idea - a ‘Yes Day’, but in reverse! 

“Me and Barack would do the opposite of Yes Day, where our kids would have to do everything we want to do,” she shared. “Because now my kids are grown and they say no to us. And we are like ‘Can we? Can we be your friend? Can we talk to you?’, and they’re like ‘no, busy, bye’.”

“So, I think we are going to do a reverse Yes Day, with our kids having to spend time with us, listen to us and eat what we want to eat."

This chat comes after Michelle recently spoke out about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s “tell-all” interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

Michelle reaffirmed the importance of family, saying that she prays for “forgiveness and healing for them so they can use this as a teachable moment for us all.”

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!