This fall, let’s keep this phrase in mind: “Epic teachable moments.”

As intense as the rhetoric of this presidential campaign has gotten, there are lasting lessons of civic responsibility and character development that parents can teach their children.

“I have never been this passionate about the stakes [for this election],” said one grandfather.

“This has been a very challenging election season, to say the least,” said mother, grandmother, and internationally recognized child and parenting expert Denise Daniels of Minneapolis, Minnesota. “The first thing to always remember is to tailor your information and conversation to the age of your child.”

Secondly, parents are really stressed over this election — perhaps as never before — and must be aware of how their emotions may be picked up by their kids. “So much of the electorate is highly stressed about the election,” said Daniels. “That affects our children. They are sponges for our language, facial expressions, and body language.”

One Austin, Texas, grandfather of two toddlers would agree with that. “I can guarantee you I have said things about Hillary Clinton around my grandchildren that they are too young to hear,” he said candidly. “But I have never been this passionate about the stakes for which candidate America elects. I need to just shut my mouth when the grandkids are over.”

“Remember,” said Daniels, “we’re their first teachers. The home is their first school. Figure out what you can mention,” she added. “Who would have dreamed we’d have an election season like this — where we would have to defend the adults we’re seeing on television?”

Related: A Vote for Trump is a Vote for Our Kids

Use the election to teach kids values, said Daniels — even if it means mentioning behavior that you dislike in a candidate. Mention it when you see it, and explain why you don’t like it.

[lz_infobox]A new Harris poll taken this month revealed that 52 percent of American adults 18 and older feel that the 2016 election is a “very” or “somewhat significant” source of stress.[/lz_infobox]

“There are so many emotional intelligence skills we can teach during the election, depending on the age of the kids — honesty, respect, and kindness, for starters,” she said.

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Examples of respect and consideration have been rare this presidential election season, so act wisely within the walls of the home.

“If you have preschoolers, minimize their exposure to the media,” said Daniels. “For elementary-age kids, use examples of civility as a guide” — things such as candidates shaking hands or greeting each other in a polite manner. “Then, explain to your kids that saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and being appreciative are important to society. Also, emphasize empathy — how do you start to put yourself in someone else’s shoes?”

School-age kids are beyond magical thinking, said Daniels, and are capable of more abstract thinking. “They have questions about the candidates and the process. You want to start by asking what they’ve heard about the election, and what their teachers and friends are talking about. Then, attach your ideas to this conversation — and ask for theirs.”

Foster the value of emotional restraint and discipline as you discuss the candidates and their rhetoric.

Related: The Student Success Factor We Forget

“We know that kids who can handle their emotions are more successful in school, have more empathy, have more positive relationships, and experience more physical and psychological well-being,” said Daniels.

For older children, listen to your child’s views about the presidential race without judgment. “That builds trust — without trust, you can’t guide your child,” emphasized Daniels. “Then, broaden that out to talk about the values of your family.”

It is at this time that you can describe why you like a certain candidate, and how that candidate aligns with your family’s values.

Foster the value of emotional restraint and discipline as you discuss the candidates.

Teaching about the electoral process as a whole, and noting campaign volunteers who go door-to-door for causes and candidates they believe in, is also appropriate. “Importantly, teach your children to stand up for what they believe in,” said Daniels. “Their whole life, they will need to stand up for themselves while also respecting others.”

While many kids today look to celebrities as role models — this election is the time to bring up others far more worthy of their respect.

“Help your kids to find the real heroes in their lives,” said Daniels. “How are those people setting a good example for others? Why are they worthy of respect?”

And take your preschoolers into the voting booth on Nov. 8. “Explain that you are voting to elect the next ‘boss’ of the country,” said Daniels. “Have older kids volunteer for a campaign event if they are civic-minded. Explain the privacy of the voting booth — and relate it to allowing others privacy.”

For older teens, Daniels noted, it’s worth explaining the importance of their vote in the political process. Try to ward off any cynicism — and “hope they do decide to vote.”

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