Fighting in the Sandbox - What Political Presidential Campaign Mud Slinging Teaches Our Kids

Parenting

Generally I stay away from politics and religion on this blog. However with this non-partisan post I'm breaking that self-imposed rule to stimulate a conversation with parents and family-oriented kindred spirits about all the mud slinging the Obama - Romney Presidential race has seen lately and the kinds of messages this might be sending to our kids.

Daddy, me (green swim suit) & siblings at Cape Cod, Vintage Photo

Amid accusations by his opponent of outsourcing jobs abroad, Mitt Romney is being pressed to reveal more than the usual one year's worth of tax forms. On the other side President Obama is under attack for lavish fundraising junkets while neglecting the economy and wreaking havoc on our nation's faltering healthcare system. Who is right and who is wrong here? If you ask me it's hard to tell because all the sand flying back and forth is blinding me and the rest of the American voting public right now.

This piece is not about liberal vs conservative leanings nor is it about an older candidate challenging a younger encumbered one. It's about the dirt fight in the sand box that seems to be escalating and there's no parent or responsible adult in sight to stop the raucous from turning this into something much worse.

The way both leading candidates are misbehaving of late as we move closer to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions coming up in August is disturbing to a lot of moms like me. Like many others of my generation as well as most readers of Mommy Blog Expert, my parents did not raise me to throw dirt in someone else's face. I was taught from a young age by example how to respect others, be kind, play fairly, and to be a good sport. 

Based on my experience as a child myself as well as the first-hand knowledge I've acquired on the other end as a parent, I don't think either Obama or Romney is acting like a very good boy right now. Likely their mothers once long ago taught their respective sons not to throw sand in the sandbox. Wouldn't it be nice if they were to recall this important lesson from childhood and apply it in the present before the Presidential race traditionally starts on Labor Day Weekend?

My 1 year-old playing in the sand nicely with our Aupair, Vintage Photo

The big question is: If a one year old toddler can play at the beach without throwing sand, why can't two very intelligent adult politicians do the same? 

Admittedly I wasn't a perfect child any more than I'm without my flaws as a grown up and a a mommy, but I am trying my best to keep things reasonable in all my personal and business human relationships. Believe me, I'm keenly aware my kids are watching my every move as a role model for how adults are supposed to behave. Likewise the eyes of our youngsters -- this country's future leaders -- are taking mental notes during this Presidential Campaign to emulate. Maybe the two contenders could try a similar approach to modeling for the younger generation?

What do you think of all the mud slinging? What do you imagine your children are learning from this kind of behavior that is lacking for a better phrase, Not okay? Feel free to comment below this post, sharing your thoughts. Remember please stay on topic as this is a family-friendly blog, not a place for politicking or arguing about which candidate should be elected.

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and I'm a mom of four, though I don't claim to be an expert parent or professional political commentator. This post includes my personal opinions about a thought-provoking topic.  No payment or other compensation associated with this post was involved. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.