Michelle Obama told Meghan Markle the advice she gives her daughters, and we’re taking notes
We were over the moon when Meghan Markle announced she guest-edited the September 2019 issue of British Vogue. And we were even more excited when we learned that the Duchess of Sussex used the issue to focus on “Forces for Change”—15 incredible women working to make the world a better place. She also interviewed none other than former first lady Michelle Obama, who shared some amazing parenting advice.
Markle interviewed the former first lady for a Q&A on the back page of the magazine. In what Markle describes as “a thoughtful, reflective and beautifully curated narrative,” Obama opened up about everything from motherhood to her Girls Opportunity Alliance. She also shared some advice that she gives her daughters: “Don’t just check the boxes you think you’re supposed to check.”
Obama explained that she originally wanted to be a lawyer but then found a career path that suited her better. Her message—which, frankly, everyone can learn from—was that it takes time to find out who you are.
"As a younger woman, I spent too much time worrying that I wasn’t achieving enough, or I was straying too far from what I thought was the prescribed path," she said. "What I hope my daughters will realise a little earlier is that there is no prescribed path, that it’s OK to swerve, and that the confidence they need to recognise that will come with time."
Obama clarified that she would share this same advice with sons, too.
The Becoming author also relayed what she’s learned from motherhood with the duchess and new mom.
"Being a mother has been a masterclass in letting go," Obama said. "Try as we might, there’s only so much we can control. And boy I tried—especially at first. As mothers, we just don’t want anything or anyone to hurt our babies. But life has other plans. Bruised knees, bumpy roads and broken hearts are part of the deal. What’s both humbled and heartened me is seeing the resiliency of my daughters."
Obama added that being a mom means “most of the time, my job is to give them the space to explore and develop into the people they want to be.”
You can read Markle’s full Q&A with Obama here. British Vogue‘s “Forces for Change” issue will be available for download and purchase on August 2nd. We can’t wait to read the rest.
