--- title: "8 facts you didn’t know about First Kids" description: "Interesting facts you didn't know about First Kids of the United States while in the White House. Read more at We Are the Mighty." date: "2021-05-03" modified: "2023-05-04" authors: - name: "Bethaney Phillips" job_title: "Contributor, Veteran Spouse" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/bethaneyphillips/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/facts-about-first-kids/" categories: - "History" --- # 8 facts you didn’t know about First Kids ![kennedy first kids]() *President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and their children John, Jr. and Caroline. (Photograph by Cecil Stoughton, White House, in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.)* Being the President’s kid comes with plenty of perks. But even though it’s not an elected job, much like becoming the First Lady, it still comes with ample responsibilities. Public appearances, scrutiny that abounds, and of course, access to things that the average Joe would never dream of ... in good ways and bad. Take a look at these little-realized facts about the past First Kids of the United States. ## Here are 8 facts you didn't know about First Kids ### 1. They look out for each other ![An older man wearing a dark blazer, white shirt, and beige pants is sitting outdoors with two young girls on either side of him. Both girls are dressed in light-colored dresses with puffed sleeves and scalloped collars. The background features greenery and a dark wooden house.]() *Jenna and Barbara Bush with their grandfather, former President George Bush Sr. (Image courtesy of jennabhager, [Instagram]())* It’s stated that First Kids Chelsea Clinton reached out to the Bush twins, Barbara Pierce and Jenna, and they carried on the tradition. The pair even wrote a letter to Sasha and Malia Obama as they were ending their stint in the White House. ### 2. They can decorate, while leaving historic aspects When moving into the White House, yes if you live with your parents, that's your home while Dad's in office, the First Family has much sway in the overall decor and how their living quarters will look. However, as a historic residence, there’s also much they cannot change. Certain features must be left alone and while things like decor and paint can be adapted to taste, complete construction is a no-no. ### 3. They can’t open windows Not in the White House, nor in the car. We’re guessing it’s a security issue, but in any case, the action is forbidden. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, stated that one of her daughters once opened a window in the White House and they received immediate calls asking for it to be shut. ![A man in a dark suit with a red tie raises his right hand while taking an oath, with a woman in a light blue coat holding a book in front of him. Several people, including a young boy in a suit, a woman in a white coat, a man in a dark suit with a red tie, and another woman in a white coat, stand nearby. A man in a black robe appears to be administering the oath. The setting includes a podium with the Presidential Seal and a backdrop of blue and red stairs, with a crowd of onlookers in the background.]() *Screenshot of swearing in, left to right: Donald Trump, wife Melania, children Don Jr., Barron, Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering oath.* ### 4. They get Secret Service security until 16 Even once they are no longer in the White House, former First Kids have access to Secret Security detail until they reach 16 years of age. The service can be declined, however, if the family chooses not to take it. However, while in office, the detail for minors is a must. ### 5. You’re subject to the media Perhaps the biggest controversies took place in the 90s when a teenage Chelsea Clinton was publicly insulted on SNL and on the radio by Rush Limbaugh. The latter, making fun of her looks. Mike Meyers wrote an apology letter to the Clinton's of the SNL skit. More recently, 10-year-old Baron Trump was offensively tweeted about by an SNL writer. The writer was briefly fired by NBC. Adult First Kids also receive public scrutiny, though theirs is seen as more socially acceptable. ### 6. They usually attend private schools To better work with security and get their kids the supervision they need as First Kids, most presidential children attend private schools. However, it’s not a rule. In fact, former President Jimmy Carter purposefully enrolled his 9-year-old daughter, Amy, in Washington D.C.’s public school system. Carter had campaigned that public schools were no worse than private ventures, and when it came to his own child, put his money where his mouth was. ![Joe Biden is taking the oath of office with his right hand raised and his left hand on a large Bible held by Jill Biden, who is wearing a teal coat and gloves. A judge in a black robe is administering the oath with his right hand raised. Several people, some wearing masks, stand behind them, including family members and officials. The setting appears to be outdoors with steps in the background.]() *Joe Biden delivers his oath of office on January 20, 2021.* ### 7. They can’t take official roles As for adult children of the president, they aren’t allowed to work in the White House, that is officially. A 1967 anti-nepotism law went into effect, helping ensure that the president doesn’t have too much sway by bringing in family. However, Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, worked for former President Trump as unpaid advisors. ### 8. Expensive gifts belong to the U.S. When receiving anything as a gift, First Families have to turn in the item to the National Archive and have it appraised. Anything worth more than $390 has to be purchased out of pocket. The Obama girls, Hilary Clinton, and George W. Bush are all noted as having bought back important gifts they received while at the White House. ## Author Bethaney Phillips has contributed to We Are the Mighty and MilSpouseFest since 2015, covering history and military family topics. She also served as the Interim Content and Digital Manager at MilSpouseFest in 2021. Now a veteran spouse, she spent six years in an active duty family and served as an SFRG leader. With a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing, she has more than 15 years of experience in digital and print writing, focusing on researched pieces and human interest stories. She is also a regular contributor to Business Insider, covering family and parenting topics. Her work has been included on Business Insider, Yahoo, Military.com, and Manhattan Magazine. While continuing to freelance, she works as the founding editor of the Clay County Regional, a print and digital newspaper delivered to more than 5,500 recipients. She also serves as the Digital Director/News Director for Taylor Communications out of north-central Kansas. Bethaney spends her free time chasing her two elementary-aged boys, raising chickens, and reading fiction. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [WWW]()