Former and future First Lady Melania Trump sat down on the circular “Fox and Friends” couch on Friday morning, her first extended interview since President-elect Trump’s election back on November 5.
Melania described the last month as being “incredible” and “very, very, busy” as the Trump family prepares their return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Not since Grover Cleveland has an American president lost his reelection bid, only to win four years later. President Cleveland was the nation’s 22nd and 24th chief executive. Trump will be the 45th and 47th.
As the show’s hosts pointed out, the Trumps’ youngest son, Barron, has been the subject of fascination and intrigue for years, but especially this past one. Just 10 years-old when his father first entered the White House in 2017, the youngest Trump was pretty much off limits during his dad’s first term.
Now in college, Barron Trump has been credited with advising his father on ways to reach and connect with younger voters via social media and podcasting. On Friday, Melania said they were “very proud of him” and added that he “brought in so many young people he knows of his generation” to the campaign.
Fox’s Ainsley Earhardt, who often talks lovingly about her daughter Hayden, age nine, asked the First Lady-elect for advice for mothers struggling with their rapidly growing children. “There’s a pain in my heart, because I miss those years,” said Earhardt. “How do you handle each stage?”
“You need to be present,” Melania replied. “And to be there as much as you can. To be there as a teacher, and give them guidance. It’s so important. The years go by so fast. We just don’t imagine. Time goes so fast.”
We read in Ecclesiastes that “There is an appointed time for everything” (3:1), and that includes the fleeting years when our children are in the home and still under our influence. It’s the wise parent who doesn’t waste it – or worse, resent and wish it away. As the saying goes, children grow slow – and leave fast.
Fox’s Brian Kilmeade noted the uniqueness of a young man growing up in the presidential spotlight and asked if it was possible for Barron to live a regular life in college.
“I don’t think it’s possible for him to be a normal student,” Melania acknowledged. “His experience at college is very different than any other kid. I’m very proud of how he’s handling it. He’s very strong. He knows he’s in a different position than other children.”
How does she advise him?
“I just say, ‘Make your dreams come true,’” Melania Trump told the Fox News morning crew. “This is your road. This is your life.”
Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson wrote an entire book aimed at those between the ages of 16 and 26, noting those years represent a critical decade when decisions are made that will have tremendous consequences on the rest of your life. It’s titled Life on the Edge: The Next Generation’s Guide to a Meaningful Future.
“Enjoy the exhilaration when it comes,” urged Dr. Dobson. “Take the ride to the heights when you get the opportunity. But don’t get hooked on the thrill of the moment. Take charge of your emotions. And when it comes time to do the right thing, don’t let your feelings lead you to compromise. That is the way to live a happier, more successful life and one that is more pleasing to God.”
Those words were written more than thirty years ago, but they stand the test of time.
Image credit: Fox & Friends
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