If you’ve read this month’s column (http://www.familymanonline.com/columns.php?id=52), you know how much my middle kid reveled in handing out Valentine’s to his kindergarten friends. My eldest (age 9) rolled his eyes about the whole thing. And my little one just loved the heart-shaped pizza my wife brought home and the red oranges I threw into a salad for dinner. As my wife and I sit here while I type, we’re pretty much too tired to make much more out of the “day that Hallmark built.” Yet I did manage to ask her what her favorite romantic song is, other than Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall in Love” (our wedding song from 14 years ago this upcoming Tuesday). Her pick is “Endless Love,” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. Mine is “What You Won’t Do For Love,” by Bobby Caldwell. When that record came out in 1978, they released a limited edition red heart-shaped ‘45′ single. which I’m still kicking myself for not buying. Anybody out there want to call out their fave romantic song?

Vanderbilt University researchers have just released a report that shows how the mere act of a mother listening to her child explain what he/she learned in school can help the kid learn better (http://www.vanderbilt.edu/news/releases?id=39112). The key here is that listening to a child is the simple ingredient in helping he/she learn. The lead reseacher, Bethany Rittle-Johnson, says that — although the study focused on mothers — it is logical to assume that any involved adult, such as a father or grandfather, can have the same effect. This kind of news tells us how valuable it is for us to ask questions and listen. A child can learn without us telling them how to do things. By emphasizing listening, we allow ourselves to give our children space to process what is in their heads. We don’t even have to know what the heck they are taking about (and it says so in this study!). For more thoughts on the research, check out the excellent blog writting by Stacey Garfinkle in The Washington Post - http://blog.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2008/01/are_you_listening_mom.html 

Super Tuesday will be upon us in a matter of hours. What an exciting time for all of us as the primaries offer what I think are some of the most intriguing presidential choices we have ever seen. At the lead are a female candidate with a true chance at party nomination, a Vietnam vet who’s surging after being counted out just a couple of months ago, a former governor who’s unafraid to stand up for his religion, and an African American who looks strong in battle against political veterans. This seems to be a race that offers candidates with more of an interest in bringing the country together rather than polarizing factions. It is a competition that can we can use to teach our kids about issues, including the economy, war, health care, the poor, and education. Ask them for their thoughts on these topics and have them watch election coverage and read articles that are appropriate for their age (check out http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/). Take your kids to the polling booths, have them wear your “I Voted” stickers, and talk with them about this ever fascinating democratic process of ours. For more thoughts on teaching kids about the election, read Meredith O’Brien’s new article (http://www.familymanonline.com/moms_and_dads.php?id=150).