By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Katie Miller Pod.

Imagine being a parent to four young children, while also navigating the demands of public life. For Marco and Jeanette Rubio, this is their reality. As the Secretary of State and his wife, they have learned to balance their family responsibilities with their professional obligations. In a recent conversation, they shared their approach to parenting and public service, and how they make time for each other amidst the chaos.

Parenting in the Public Eye

Marco and Jeanette Rubio have been in the public eye for many years, and they have learned to navigate the challenges that come with it. They have four children, each with their own unique personality, and they have had to adapt to the demands of parenting in a high-profile family. Jeanette noted that her husband has been a supportive partner, often taking on parenting duties when she needs a break. ‘He would help me especially as they multiplied,’ she said. ‘I would get my sleep and he would put on the alarm and while he was doing his speeches he would wake up and he would get the baby right and he would feed the baby at night sometimes for me.’

The Rubios also discussed their approach to discipline and how they handle embarrassing moments. Marco joked that he doesn’t do ‘dad jokes,’ but his children have a good sense of humor about their father’s public persona. Jeanette noted that their children have a strong sense of self and aren’t easily embarrassed by their father’s antics.

Life as Secretary of State

As Secretary of State, Marco Rubio has a demanding job that requires him to be away from home for extended periods. Jeanette noted that it can be challenging to balance his work and family responsibilities, but they have learned to make it work. ‘Every day is different,’ she said. ‘It depends on the time you wake up in the morning, because the way the world is, sometimes you wake up in the morning and something has happened overnight.’

Marco also reflected on his experience as Secretary of State, noting that it has been a revealing experience. ‘The breadth and scope of the State Department’s power, it wasn’t surprising, it was revealing to me,’ he said. ‘Because you sort of perceived it, but you didn’t realize, like, there’s a lot that other agencies do that requires the State Department to either okay or sign off on or initiate.’

Reflections on Public Service

The Rubios also discussed their approach to public service and how they prioritize their relationships with each other and their children. They noted that it can be challenging to balance their family responsibilities with their professional obligations, but they have learned to make it work. ‘We have four kids, and they all had different personalities,’ Jeanette said. ‘And when Marco would come down, it would cause a great stir. It’s been the summer of babies in the West Wing.’

In the end, the Rubios’ conversation with Katie Miller offered a glimpse into the challenges and joys of balancing family life with public service. As they navigate the demands of their high-profile careers, they remain committed to each other and their children, and they prioritize their relationships above all else.

The full episode of Katie Miller Pod is available on OBBM Network TV.