Michelle Obama's portfolio as first lady to include work-family balance

Washington Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times, Lynn Sweet writes that the Obamas do not have a nanny (grandmother Marian Robinson is staying in the White House to help them get settled) and Michelle Obama is not planning many public appearances until her daughters are settled into their new life. But when she does begin building her profile as first lady, her focus will remain, at least partially, on family. Sweet reports:

During the campaign, Obama said as first lady she would focus on helping military families and taking on women's issues. As it evolves, her agenda is getting additions. Preliminary plans have Obama also bringing to a "national stage" work and family balance "conversations" and a community service piece, with her interest stemming from her tenure as executive director of Public Allies Chicago from spring 1993 to fall 1996.

A November New York Times story offered an early glimpse into her plans:

As first lady, Mrs. Obama has said, she plans to make herself an advocate for working parents, particularly military families, urging better access to child care for all. Trying to juggle public duties with two young children, she will be a living illustration of the very issue she describes.

"She's going to be engaging in the balancing act herself," said Doris Kearns Goodwin, the presidential historian.

Expect strict, hands-on parenting to continue.

... As for keeping the Obama girls grounded, the Jonas Brothers' surprise White House visit last week -- band members were at the end of a scavenger hunt -- was the exception for the sisters and will not be the rule. One time, unique, not going to be a habit, I'm told.

Has word reaching the White House yet that Harry Potter lead Daniel Radcliffe has invited the girls to the film set? The Daily Mail reminds us that the Obamas are longtime Harry Potter fans.