When Michelle Obama speaks, we listen, especially when it’s about parenting in the digital age. The former First Lady, and mother-of-two, recently opened up on her IMO Podcast about raising kids with boundaries, structure, and a firm “no” that actually sticks.

In a conversation with her brother, Craig Robinson, Obama tackled a listener’s question about screen time and social media limits. Her advice? Parents need to stop worrying about being liked and start showing up with consistency.

“They’re waiting for you to go back on your word,” she said of kids who challenge limits. “They’re waiting to see how long it will take. How many times can I outlast you? Because, as I say, they’ve got time on their hands. Kids don’t have jobs. They have no responsibility. They are not paying bills. All they have time for is to outlast you, to wear you down.”

Obama made it clear that parents are not in the business of being “cool” or besties. Instead, the real job is to set expectations and enforce them, even when it’s exhausting.

Her brother Craig chimed in with memories of their late mother, Marian Robinson, and the classic parenting wisdom she passed down.

“I was just thinking about how our parents parented and what my mom would say about saying ‘No,’ is that it’s not just saying ‘No,’ it’s holding your ‘No’ accountable,” Craig shared. “It is explaining why you’re saying ‘No,’ and it’s outlasting your kids.”

Parenting isn’t about being a pushover. It’s about boundaries, follow-through, and standing strong, even when your child’s persistence could rival a marathon runner’s. Obama admitted that enforcing structure isn’t always easy. But, as she emphasized, it’s critical.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to limit screen time or stand firm on bedtime routines, take heart. Even Michelle Obama has been there. Her reminder? You’re raising future adults, not trying to win a popularity contest. And that, friends, is parenting gold.

Photo Credit: Michelle Obama Instagram