‘I Didn’t Want to Do It’: Michelle Obama Reveals Parenting Disagreement with Barack Obama While Raising Daughters

In a June 25, 2025 episode of her podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama shared a parenting challenge that caused tension with her husband, Barack Obama. The former First Lady opened up about their disagreement over using the Ferber method, a sleep-training approach involving letting a baby cry before soothing them.

Michelle revealed that she was emotionally against the idea, but eventually allowed Barack to take the lead. She found the baby’s cries unbearable and had to cover her ears while he took over the night routine.

Despite her initial hesitation, the training didn’t last long. Michelle said it only took a week, with major progress after the first two nights, as they started when the baby was around four or five months old and had just stopped breastfeeding.

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a guest on the podcast, supported the method, explaining that all mammals wake during sleep and that babies need to learn to self-soothe rather than rely on parents to fall back asleep.

Michelle also reflected on how the worries of parenthood never truly end. In a previous episode aired June 19, she agreed with radio host Angie Martinez, who described the ongoing anxiety of caring for a child, calling parenting a lifelong emotional commitment.

In another May 14 episode, Michelle stressed the importance of allowing children to make mistakes, saying it’s hard but necessary for growth.

She emphasized balancing freedom and support, allowing independence while staying present and non-judgmental when children need help.