Michelle Obama’s ‘Parenting Wisdom’ Earns Her a Next Gen Award

Michelle Obama is being recognized for what millions already admire her for: keeping it real, especially when it comes to parenting. The former First Lady just landed a 2025 PARENTS Next Gen Award, celebrating her impact on families and children across the country.

This year’s award puts the former First Lady in great company. The list of honorees includes tennis icon Serena Williams, Kylie Kelce, musician Jon Batiste, and Joe Brumm, the creator of “Bluey.” Each winner was chosen for doing more than just showing up.

Michelle Obama Keeps It Honest About Parenting

The 61-year-old former First Lady doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. She actually leans into the messy parts of raising kids. On her podcast “IMO,” which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, the former attorney talks openly about the real challenges parents face.

From awkward teen years to tough conversations, she is never shy about saying, “This is hard.”

Obama / IG / Michelle Obama was among 40 honorees selected for the PARENTS Next Gen Awards 2025, which celebrate leaders making a positive impact on families and children.

Her biggest message? Stop chasing the “perfect parent” image. That Instagram-ready, always-smiling, color-coordinated family? Forget it. The former First Lady urges parents to be honest with themselves and their kids. She believes in letting children see your flaws because that is where trust and resilience grow.

Lessons That Start at Home

Michelle Obama often credits her parents, especially her mother, Marian Robinson, for her approach to raising children. Her mom wasn’t a parenting expert, but she admitted when she was unsure. That honesty stuck with Obama and shaped her own philosophy.

Her parents didn’t pretend to be perfect. They apologized when they messed up. They let Michelle and her brother see them learn and grow. That kind of transparency taught emotional strength. The former First Lady believes this kind of openness helps kids become thoughtful, self-aware adults.

Life After the White House

When the Obamas left the White House, Michelle Obama made one thing clear: her daughters would have a normal life. Malia and Sasha didn’t get a free pass just because of who their parents were. They made their beds, worked summer jobs, and got the same talks every other teen gets.

That same no-nonsense mindset shows up in her advocacy work. Through initiatives like Let’s Move! and PLEZi Nutrition, she is helping families make healthier choices without guilt or shame. She knows not everyone has access to organic groceries or personal trainers.

Through PLEZi Nutrition, she is pushing for better food options for kids. These are long-term efforts to support families in ways that matter, through education, access, and policy.

Obama / IG / Along with Barack Obama, the former First Lady has turned her influence into real change. Through the Girls Opportunity Alliance, she is helping girls around the world stay in school.

Michelle Obama believes that healthy kids come from healthy communities. That is why her work always comes back to people, not perfection. Be it through local programs or national campaigns, she is focused on what makes parenting better for everyone, not just the privileged few.

Parenting in 2025 is intense. Every scroll brings more comparison, more pressure, and more noise. Michelle Obama isn’t having it. On “IMO,” she and her brother call it out. Social media has made parenting feel like a competition. She thinks it is time for parents to give themselves a break.

The judges, including pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin and PARENTS editorial director Kaity Velez, looked for leaders making an actual impact. That means more than just being famous. It means showing up for families and changing the game. Michelle Obama fit that definition perfectly.