While watching political-attack ads and debates on TV , I began to reflect on the lessons that politicians of all parties are teaching our children on-air.

• If you cannot say something nice, say nothing at all something mean, nasty, hurtful, hateful, defamatory, and derogatory. Interrupt others because your opinion is more important.

• Never take responsibility for your own actions. Always blame someone else for your faults and failures.

• Take credit for others’ achievements. Never recognize anyone else’s contributions. Pride is for winners and humility for losers.  

• Lie. Lie BIG. The bigger the lie, the better the lie. Lie more when someone responds with the truth.

• Call others liars. If someone does not agree with your version of the truth, dismiss their opinions as fake news or false delusions.

• Bully people. Use your power and position to torment and tyrannize other children.

• Appearance is more important than substance and looks supersede character.

• Look out for #1. Treat everyone else like, well, #2.

• Finally, never trust national media outlets or local blog authors.