Naturally, family units are expected to stick together, whether you’re in the White House or not, so, it is pretty unheard of for families to live separately from the member that just became President of the United States. But it’s important to remember that this new role isn’t just a lifestyle change for the incoming president but for the whole family as well. The first children are often forced to leave their friends behind in order to move to Washington, DC. Which often comes with disappointment, especially if they are junior high to high school age. But hey, at least they get to say that their dad is the president and that they get to live in the White House, that surely counts for something.
Fun fact, though, The Trump Administration broke this tradition when Melania and her son Barron continued to live in their Fifth Avenue penthouse in New York City while Barron finished his school.
No Keys to the White House
For kids of the First Family, sneaking out of the White House is next to impossible. Normal teenagers across the nation can simply climb out of a window in the middle of the night and climb back in by morning, but remember, the first family isn't even allowed to open any windows. And even if a rebellious presidential kid does manage to slip past their Secret Service agents, they wouldn't be able to get back in the house without anyone noticing as they can't have "the keys" to the White House.
The doors of the White House automatically lock, which in the past, has led to at least two presidents, Gerald Ford, and Barack Obama, to accidentally getting locked out of their home. In Ford's case, he went to walk his dog out at night and then couldn't access the White House's elevator that led to his room. In Obama's case, he had returned home early from a trip and couldn't get into the Oval Office.
They Can't Keep Expensive Gifts
Being part of the First Family definitely comes with its perks, like getting gifts from visiting dignitaries and other guests. Unfortunately, many of the presents given to them are considered 'government property' and go straight to the National Archive to be logged in and have their value estimated. Everything above $390 will stay at the National Archive.
If a member of the First Family wishes to keep a gift above the price point, they have to pay for it at market value. One gift Hilary Clinton didn't want to give up was a black pearl necklace given to her by Myanmar state counselor Aung San Suu Kyihad, She had to shell out nearly $1000 for it, and George W. Bush forked over $14,000 for a shotgun he was gifted. Sasha and Malia Obama weren't allowed to sport the Adidas gear given to them by Angela Merkel (valued at $557) or the national soccer team jerseys autographed by Lionel Messi (valued at $1,700) presented by Mauricio Macri. What a bummer!
The Whole Family Attends The Inauguration
The soon-to-be First Family usually join all of the big events during the campaigning period, not to mention on election night when they must stay up at all hours of the night to find out who's the next president. It has to become nerve-racking...and tiring at times. And if you're on the winning side, then buckle up. The ride is just getting started, you still have to stick around for the inauguration festivities and whatever else the next four to eight years unfold.
You may have noticed how the First Children sometimes have a bored look on their faces like they're tired or just wishing they could be doing something else. Maybe even just hang out in their rooms and play video games and let the grown-ups do all the "grown-up stuff".
The Parents Make the Rules
At the end of the day, like most families, the parents still make the rules. So with all the restrictions and come with living in the White House The President and First Lady not only govern the country but their family as well.
For example, Barack and Michelle Obama, really wanted their children to stay grounded and didn't become spoiled considering the fact that the White House comes fully staffed. When they moved into the White House, the girls still had a bedtime (8 p.m.) and were expected to tidy up after themselves, set their own alarms, and get themselves up and of bed in the morning.