The Children Are Watching

Carter was seven years old when then Senator Obama was running in his first presidential primary. She was watching a debate with Russ listening to Hillary, John Edwards, Joe Biden, Barack Obama and a few others. She turned to Russ and said, “I like Obama, he has sparkle.” 

We were more familiar with the others, but Russ agreed with that wisdom from a young Carter, that he did have something about him that drew us in.  
Now, eight years later he is the only President Carter really has any memory of. I am so thankful that he and his family have been the best role models for my daughter. I don’t want to praise his accomplishments or call him out for things he was unable to get done, but I just thank to thank him for his lack of personal scandals. Not just Barack, but Michelle and the girls and their extended family. 
We had no Watergate, no “happy birthday Mr. President,” no Billy beer, on white water, no VP’s leaving office, no “e” on potato, no reading my lips, no psychics in the White House. All in all Obama was boring from the tabloid’s point of view. I am really going to miss that steady, no drama family.
The Obamas are classy and relatable and children across America saw a strong African American family being successful and not just at sports or in entertainment. This has made an impact on young people who, like my daughter only remember a President of color.  
In a few hours we will have the calm transition of power. Trump and his family have their work cut out for them to be as fine a role model for young people as the Obamas have been. I am not talking about legislation, just decency. I hope that for the good of all small children in our country they can have a President who inspires them, is kind and honest. Children don’t understand laws, but they can’t tell who has a true heart. Mr. President, the children are watching.