My nephew just started kindergarten and after only two weeks, he can recite the three cardinal rules of kindergarten: Be responsible, be respectful, and be safe.

Those are three suggestions that our politicians really should heed.

To be responsible, according to Merriam-Webster, is to “be able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations.” What an amazing idea for politicians — accountability. The idea that anyone should have to answer for their actions has become almost ludicrous in politics, especially for those in power.

However, being responsible takes a number of forms. It means admitting when you are wrong, apologizing to those you hurt (intentionally or otherwise), and proactively taking the initiative. Why don’t we see that in politics?

It seems so much easier to pass the buck, shift blame, and point fingers than take responsibility for something.

Again, turning to Merriam-Webster, respect is defined as “high or special regard.” In other words, being respectful means being considerate and understanding.

In politics especially, it means understanding that some people will have different opinions, beliefs and perspectives — and that those different views are not usually wrong, but simply different.

It means acknowledging that maybe someone has a legitimate point, even if you disagree with them. It means being able to see past partisan rhetoric and platforms to create real change by taking some ideas from both sides of the aisle and compromising.

Lastly, my nephew told me to be safe. It may seem strange to relate safety to politics, but it works.

Once again, Merriam-Webster holds the answer. Safety is defined as “the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss.” Not only does safety mean your own freedom from harm, but it also implies not harming others, either.

This harm can show itself in a multitude of ways. It can mean choosing to build better levees in coastal areas to reduce harm from hurricanes or tsunamis. It can mean choosing a policy to alleviate suffering for patients with chronic conditions rather than use that same money for another purpose.

It can also mean less tangible — but just as important — things, such as not harming others through words. Especially in a political environment of muckraking and mudslinging, the idea of simply sitting back and acknowledging that two candidates are worthy opponents and valuable human beings can go a long way towards mending our rather uncivil political system.

When all is said and done, there is a lot to be learned in a kindergarten classroom. Some of it is to not run with scissors and to play well with others, but some of it is also simple principles like responsibility, respect, and safety.

Perhaps our politicians — and really, all of us — would do well to spend a day in kindergarten.

Janne is working to find a kindergarten classroom that would want all our politicians for a day. If you know any takers, send her their info at janne.gaub@asu.edu.