How to Parent Like the President

by Linda Natali

President Obama wasn't as lucky as his daughters; he didn't have a father growing up.

"In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence--both in my life and in the lives of others. I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill," Obama said in a Father's Day article he wrote for "Parade Magazine."

The president believes involved parents are an essential component for our national well-being. "We can do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference, for absent parents," writes Obama. He acknowledges that parenting is at times "difficult and thankless," but he tells parents that kids need parents most when they are struggling.

Whether you agree with President Obama's politics or not, one aspect of his life that we can all learn from are his parenting skills. The Obamas appear to do exceptionally well when it comes to juggling the world's toughest job with raising two young daughters. They are affectionate, loving, stable parents. We would all do well to try and implement some of the steps the Obamas use in their daily lives to ensure that our own children have a solid foundation and a soft place to fall on their journey of life.

Here are some ways to look to the Obama model and strive to be an exemplary parent.

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