Malia and Sasha Obama’s first day of school at Sidwell Friends

Moms across the country are rejoicing today after the long holiday break as kids head back to school. Michelle Obama on the other hand, was probably dreading it because it was the first day at a new school for her two young daughters, 10-year old Malia and 7-year old Sasha. The girls are both attending Sidwell Friends, an exclusive private school in the DC area. Sidwell Friends is certainly no stranger to Presidential children as Chelsea Clinton is a former alumna of the school, and Vice President-elect Joe Biden’s grandchildren also currently attend.  

Malia, a fifth-grader and Sasha, a second-grader, have been catapulted into the limelight and must adjust to being soon-to-be President Barack Obama’s daughters. From a quieter life in Chicago, the young girls now have Secret Service men and hordes of photographers accompanying them during their school drop-offs. And for Michelle Obama, who is busy moving households and adjusting to life in a new city, today was merely a glimpse of what her life as First Lady will entail. The self-proclaimed “mom-in-chief” has consistently stressed the importance of retaining some sense of normalcy for the girls, but given the sheer media attention this family has gotten, that will certainly be a challenge.

The family is currently living in the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, DC and is preparing for its move into the White House. As for how father Obama felt as their new life begins?

According to political news site, Politico, President-elect Obama didn’t attend the first day of school. He told reporters Sunday he spent his final day in Chicago looking at a photo album of his young daughters, and that as he sat in the empty house, he choked up a bit. 

Awww...Although it’s unlikely he had too much time to be sentimental. Now that he is only 15 days from inauguration, there’s no doubt that he is already a very busy man. As for young Malia and Sasha, hopefully their transition to their new school and city is smooth and they can continue, as much as possible, to lead normal lives.