Obama Reflects on Fatherhood

Politico reports

In his weekly address to the nation, President Barack Obama wished families across the country a Happy Father’s Day and reflected on his own role as a father, calling it “my hardest, but always my most rewarding job.”

Obama recalled missing his father’s presence as a child despite the care he received from his mother and grandparents, and the resulting resolve to be a strong father to his daughters.

“I haven’t always succeeded, of course. In the past, my job has kept me away from home more often than I liked,” Obama said, “and the burden of raising two young girls would sometimes fall too heavily on Michelle.”

The president relayed some of the more important lessons he’s learned about fatherhood and what he believes children need the most from parents, such as quality time and structure. Self-discipline and responsibility are qualities his daughters Malia and Sasha have continued to learn, the president said.

“And above all, children need our unconditional love — whether they succeed or make mistakes; when life is easy and when life is tough,” he added.

Obama also sympathized with families experiencing hardships in the current economy, and the negative effects this can have on parents and children alike. To enable moms and dads to take better care of their children, he said, his administration has made fixing the broken economy a top priority through efforts like strengthening community and faith-based groups, and partnering with businesses to provide environments where families can spend time together.