The former President of the United States, who left office almost four years ago, said his daughters Malia, 22, and Sasha, 19, have become closer throughout the years. Mr Obama told People: “I think part of what’s been also wonderful is seeing Malia and Sasha become such great friends.
“They’ve got a three-year gap between them… there’s still that sister competition.
“‘Did you grab my halter top? Where is it? Why haven’t you returned it? Why are you doing this, why are you doing that?’”
Mr Obama added that now that they are older, the “just enjoy each other’s company” instead of arguing.
The former president, his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters relocated from their home in Washington, where they spent the early days of the coronavirus pandemic to their vineyard over the summer.
Mr Obama said: “Malia and Sasha have been with us almost continuously since March, with just a few breaks.”
But like in many other households, life as a family in lockdown was not always fun for the Obamas.
He added: “Like a lot of families who are lucky enough not to have to worry about losing a job, or a family member getting sick, there are times where it’s felt claustrophobic, I’m sure, for them.
“But for Michelle and me as parents, to have this bonus time where your kids are having dinner with you every night and we’re playing games and watching movies together — there’s been a lot of joy to that.”
She said: “We were all being organised and we would spend the days apart doing our respective work – the girls were still in classes in the spring – and so we would be working and then doing a little exercise, and then come together in the evenings.
”We would have these activities. We would have cocktails, and then we would work puzzles, and play games.”
She added: “Barack taught the girls how to play spades. We actually had some organised things.
“Like we had an art exhibit day, where we all went off and did water colour paintings, and then we showed it.”