Michelle Obama spent her formative years during the ’60s and ’70s in Chicago.
In addition, many other members of Michelle’s extended family lived nearby.
They were allowed to play ball in the house and spar with boxing gloves.
The kids also had a swing set and ample yard space for outdoor fun.
“You used to play football in the backyard.
Most importantly, Michelle was fortunate to experience unconditional love in her home.
We’ll always like you here.”
Their parents were also prepared to discuss whatever was on their kids' minds.
““Our discipline was really just conversation.”
Marian also discovered it was equally fine if she couldn’t provide an easy, straightforward answer.
Michelle’s noted both her parents approached these often-lengthy discussions with patience and care.
For instance, Michelle didn’t like the breakfasts that her mom cooked up every morning.
In addition, all these verbal engagements also helpedMichelle develop her witty sense of humorand think on her feet.
Besides being close in age,Michelle and her big brotherhave also enjoyed a close relationship their entire lives.
She praised her brother for the care he shows his family.
The two tried various schemes to get Marian and Fraser Robinson to quit smoking.
First, they tried to make the cigarettes unappealing.
“Unfortunately, things went awry when Marian found the evidence of this destruction in her trash can.
Once they saw how mad she was, Craig and Michelle realized they’d made a serious miscalculation.
In addition, both Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, took lessons from Robbie.
Even when Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson were small, Marian envisioned the adults they’d eventually become.
She didn’t hesitate to take the lead and encourage them to do things outside their comfort zones.
Part of Marian’s impetus to empower her kids came from her own life experiences.
“She didn’t go away to college because she was comfortable in her typing job.”
As Michelle and Craig became more comfortable in their autonomy, Marian cheered them on even more.
Sadly, Fraser Robinson died years earlier in 1991.
However, he played a significant role in Michelle Obama’s formative years.
Prior to taking a job at a water plant, Fraser had aspirations of being an artist.
Both Fraser and Marian Robinson used their creative skills to transform their home at Christmas.
When decorating for the holiday, Marian used brick-patterned cardboard to transform the radiator into a pretend fireplace.
Fraser used his artistic talents to create flames that glowed, making the decor look even more festive.
The kids particularly enjoyed the pool, and Fraser joined in the fun.
