Obama girls 'to still do chores'

The two will be the youngest children in the White House since the Kennedys

The two daughters of US President-elect Barack Obama will still be expected to do chores after they move into the White House, their mother has revealed.

Speaking to ABC News, Michelle Obama said she wanted them to make their own beds and grow up in a "normal" way.

Malia, 10, and Sasha, seven, will be the youngest children to live in the White House since the 1960s.

In the same interview Mr Obama said he hoped to usher in "a return to an ethic of responsibility".

'Have to learn'

Michelle Obama, 44, said that members of the White House staff had been told not to make the children's beds.

When she visited the White House she told staff: "That's going to be one of their goals. You don't make their beds. Make mine. But skip the kids. They have to learn these things."

They would also be expected to tidy their rooms and keep up with their homework, she said.

The couple have expressed concern about being able to bring their daughters up in a normal way in the White House.

Mrs Obama has said she intends to focus on her children's well-being.

In the same interview, Barack Obama said he hoped to bring about "a return to an ethic of responsibility". He criticised executives for flying corporate jets to Washington to ask for funding.

The incoming president also urged bankers to forego end-of-year bonuses with millions struggling in the economic crisis.