“That’s the difference between a mother and a father.”

I get to spend my days writing all about the pop culture stories that your group chats are talking about.

"I love that Michelle is owning this chapter of her life AND is supporting and encouraging her daughters’ growth and independence," one Reddit user wrote. "My mom always said to me that her main goal for me and my sisters was to empower us with the tools and skills we needed to create our own version of independence."

"I love my son with all my heart," a mom added. "I cannot agree with Michelle more. We are people outside of being mothers."

"That’s the difference between a mother and a father. And why Barack and Jon 'miss' the kids but Michelle is fine with them being gone. Motherhood is expected to be all-encompassing, while dads are allowed to just enjoy fatherhood," another user echoed. "It’s something that I find difficult to reconcile, even in this era of dads being more present and hands-on."

"I just think us women bear the brunt of raising them, and the men have an easier time (generally speaking)- so yea, when the kids leave they feel wildly sad. And us women (ok speaking for myself) feel a freedom. A weight lifted," one mom agreed. "I love my daughter with all my heart, but I (like Michelle) will never miss the middle and high school years and the insane worrying that came with it."