How Michelle Obama Made Sure Teenage Sasha And Malia Stayed Away From Tattoos

Sasha and Malia Obama were 7 and 10, respectively, when they moved into the White House, meaning they spent most of their preteen and teen years under public scrutiny. So, when it came time to deter their daughters from partaking in rebellious youth activities like getting a first tattoo, former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama had some tricks up their sleeve. 

“We used to threaten our kids,” Michelle shared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (via YouTube) in 2022. “If you get a tattoo, we’re going to get exactly the same kind and show it on TikTok or whatever. Take the cool away. We’re going to make it so uncool. Barack Obama is going to have a heart on his shoulder.” 

The former president echoed similar sentiments almost ten years earlier while on “The Today Show” in 2013, saying that he, Michelle, and the daughters would show off their matching “family tattoos” on the internet. “And our thinking is that might dissuade them from thinking that somehow that’s a good way to rebel,” the politician joked.