LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- The race for president isn't over yet, but President Obama is calling on candidates to stop being vulgar and start being better role models to children.
The president suggested some candidates are setting bad examples for kids.
With violence and hate speech showing up at some campaign events, some parents and professionals agree, this version of politics is not fit for any playground.
It's hard to ignore the nastiness, the name calling from the candidates for the highest office in the land, grown adults fighting at campaign rallies, incited by one side or the other.
Janet Lewis watched her four-year-old granddaughter play Tuesday. She can't help but agree with President Obama, this field of presidential candidates is setting a bad example, especially for kids.
"I've seen a lot of childish behavior. I've been surprised and appalled at the behavior and some of the language and discussions I've seen on TV," Lewis said.
Even Chuck E. Cheese in Dickson City has rules to follow, including "no obscene, offensive, or hostile language." In this heated political arena, those rules don't seem to apply.
Psychology professors at Marywood University believe that could have a lasting negative effect on children.
"Parents have the responsibility to monitor what their children watch on TV. That field includes these political debates," said Dr. Frank DeMatteo, Marywood University.
"Children will do what we do, not what we say," said Sr. Gail Cabral, Marywood University.
As the nasty rhetoric becomes more and more the story on the campaign trail, parents we spoke with can't help but feel candidates are breaking the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
"It's very negative. I don't think that's what our children need to be seeing. They need positivity and good role models," said Becky James of Dunmore.
"My son has seen Trump and has heard some of the things he has to say and considers him a jerk," Lindsey Ramirez of Dunmore said.
Sister Gail at Marywood says some candidates seem to be getting free publicity thanks to their behavior and that it's hard for the media to turn away.
And from a psychology standpoint, that's rewarding behavior that we as a society--parents and children included--don't approve of.