For first time in 48 years, young kids will be in the White House

Washington, Nov.7 : When the Obamas arrive at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in January, it will not only be a powerful symbol of how far the nation has come, but it will also be the first time in 48 years that a pair of young children will move in.

According to CBS News, the last child to have a free run of the White House was Caroline Kennedy. She was just three years old when her father, John Fitzgerald Kennedy took oath of office. He brother John Junior was practically their since birth. Their tender ages caused their 31-year-old mother, Jacqueline, to fiercely protect their privacy.

Presidential historian Doug Wead, the author of "All the Presidents' Children" said that he has interviewed 19 presidential children, and said most of them loved living at the White House.

Susan Ford, the daughter of the late President Gerald Ford, impressed her friends when she was allowed to host her prom at the White House. But she agrees that pomp and circumstance comes with a price.

"It's the articles that are written, the critical letters that you get in the mail from people who don't even know you who just read something in a magazine or a tabloid or whatever. And you really don't ask to be there," she said.

Chelsea Clinton was 12 when she came to the White House. And for eight years, she enjoyed mostly off-limits status by the mainstream media.

The Obamas may want to strike the same deal with their White House press corps as far as their daughters -- seven-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old Malia - are concerned.

All eyes will be on the new first family moving into the nation's neighborhood.

ANI