My wife and I bicker frequently. I wish we didn’t but the stressors of jobs, money, and children (to name a few) cause us to nag, put down, and sometimes yell. Now, there’s evidence that some of this acrimony offers personal harmony. A newly published study from the University of Michigan says that arguing with your spouse may actually help you live longer (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-01-24-marriage-study_N.htm). The research suggests that the health benefits stem from airing out emotions rather than suppressing the negativity, which can build up stress in the body. Before anyone pats himself on the back for doing the conversational equivalent of 30 minutes on the treadmill, Psychology Today suggests that the frequency of fighting can indicate deeper problems that should be addressed (http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-19930901-000010.html).

Then there are the effects on the kids. I believe that couples who argue (without violence) in front of children can model a healthy relationship as long as they successfully make peace in front of the kids, too. For more thoughts on that, see my article on “Modeling a Good Marriage” (http://www.familymanonline.com/ask_familyman.php?id=18).

It’s time for my second annual list of favorite music recordings for kids and their groovy parents. As with last year, this installment of the Family Man Recommends Top 10 Family Albums represents the finest CDs of those I got a chance to know. There are loads of good records I am fortunate to spin, and the monthly reviews I do are of the works I think are most worthy. In the flurry of the year’s end, I got a chance to sample a few more albums and a number of those have made my list. Congrats to those artists who are shown below; you’ve done some amazing work.

1. Peter Himmelman - My Green Kite (http://www.familymanonline.com/recommends.php?id=36)

2. Recess Monkey - Wonderstuff (http://www.recessmonkeytown.com/) - This double-CD is a heady mix of storytelling, pop tunes, and fantastical humor. Some have called it a kiddie rock opera.

3. Morgan Taylor - Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wide Wild World (http://www.familymanonline.com/recommends.php?id=37)

4. Buck Howdy with BB - Chickens (http://www.familymanonline.com/recommends.php?id=42)

5. Robbi K & Friends - Music Makes Me Happy (http://www.familymanonline.com/recommends.php?id=40)

6. Father Goose - It’s a Bam Bam Diddly! (http://www.fathergoose.net/)- This goose is very good for the gander. Had to use the pun because it’s true about this reggae-swaying collection by one of Dan Zanes’ regular players.

7. Various Artists - Brazilian Playground (http://www.familymanonline.com/recommends.php?id=44)

8. The Terrible Twos - If You Ever See An Owl (http://www.familymanonline.com/recommends.php?id=39)

9. The Asylum Street Spankers (http://asylumstreetspankers.com/) - Mommy Says No! - Great title. Great range of nifty songs that range in genre from jazz to punk.

10. Candy Band - Simon Says (http://www.candyband.com/) - Thrashing guitar music for the little ones. Loud fun — just like  your kids.