5 Ways My Family (and maybe yours too) is More Like the Trump’s Than I Thought

Sure, the Lowells are not billionaires (or even millionaires) and you’re probably not, either. Ya, I know you didn’t attend the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Neither did I or anyone I know. Whether you love him, hate him (please use strongly dislike), support some of his views or oppose every word he utters, you may find some common ground with these surprising ways President Trump’s family really is as all-American as yours.

He was often a disappointment to his father

Not all kids are perfect; in fact, no kids are perfect. His father even sent him to military school in hopes to improve his behavior (I used to threaten my kids with military school all the time). Surely his father is looking down (hopefully) knowing he did his best at the time, like each of us. His parents endured in their support and encouragement, just like we do. Here’s the lesson: inside every troubled kid lies a great adult waiting to develop, so even when your kids are a disappointment or choose things you might not, give them a chance. Love them through it all, never wavering in your hope and support. You never know who or what they will become.

He was bright as a youth, but often didn’t apply himself or even get honors in college

Not everyone can be like me and earn Magna Cum Laude in their undergraduate studies or earn a GPA of 4.0 in their graduate studies (really?). In fact, neither did our President. His hard work and business sense paid off in spades, though. Your late-bloomer might just surprise you, too. No, maybe not by becoming the POTUS, but perhaps something just as wonderful for him or her.

He is a germaphobe

I should buy stock in Lysol, seriously. I love to know that germs are off the surfaces in my house and I am a hand-washer from way back. So many moms I know can relate to the President’s hesitation to touch the hands of thousands of strangers. Imagine shaking the hand of every person you walk past at the mall, times a thousand! That’s a reason to buy stock in the manufacturers of hand sanitizer and antibiotics!

He has a blended family with an international and cultural component

More than half of the country’s families are divorced, remarried, or blended with step or half-siblings. A growing number of American families continue to stir the cultural melting pot with cultural and ethnic backgrounds other than “white bread.” So is the Trump family. This is truly the picture of the new American family, one that embraces and accepts new language and tradition in a unique way, a way that makes it uniquely American in its own way.

He is an imperfect human who has made many mistakes and has many shortcomings

Unfortunately for Donald Trump, much of his adult life has been on display in the media. Like many of us, he has failed, at marriage, fidelity, even work. But like many of us, he has risen, re-invented his vision for his life and his future. Like many of us, he has doubts about himself, features he’d rather change. But also like many of us, he focuses on actions today and in the future.

True that most American families are not moving into the White House, or even visit there. True that most Americans won’t host their own television show, perform in bad movies, or marry a gorgeous model. One interesting thing about American families is the parallels one can draw. So many American families deal with disobedient or wayward children who later mature into wonderful, successful adults and parents. Let’s all go forward into this new year and new presidency with hope for a future where we can all find some common ground.