February is the easiest month when it comes to trying to get children to memorize the number of days in each month. It’s also the most fascinating one. Why is it the shortest month and why does it have 28 days three out of every four years and 29 in the fourth year? Children will be fascinated by how the Romans added January and February to the calendar last-even though these are the first two months of the calendar year-and how the extra day is added every four years so that the calendar year remains in sync with the astronomical year.

African-American History Month, which has been celebrated every February in America since 1976, is an opportunity for parents to discuss with children the challenges African-Americans have faced and the strides they have made since the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Plus, it’s a time to learn about their culture and some of the most pivotal people in American history.

President’s Day provides parents and children alike a much-needed three-day weekend in the middle of the school year, but it’s also an educational opportunity for parents. Give your kids a bit of a history lesson this President’s Day weekend by informing them how it began as a celebration of first President George Washington’s birthday (February 22) and how it was the first American federal holiday honoring an individual, before it became a day to commemorate all of our presidents.

Sure, Valentine’s Day might be an adult holiday, but kids are never too young to learn about it! Use the most romantic day on the calendar as an opportunity to explain to your children the genesis of the day, the legend of Cupid and his arrow and how, in the old days, there was no better way for a couple to express their love for one another than with hand-written Valentine’s Day cards. Who knows-maybe your child will remember that and someday give a hand-written card to someone very special in his or her life!

Children are too young to really enjoy New Year’s Eve, but even after the ball has dropped in Times Square, use the turning of the calendar to explain to them the symbolic meaning of the New Year-a chance for friends and family to get together and either express thanks for what has happened in the preceding year or to spark hope that the new year will be a better one.

The Super Bowl isn’t a national holiday, but let’s face it, it may as well be one. The first Sunday of February is a chance for everyone to get together, eat, drink, and, whether you like football or not, cheer for somebody during the game. It’s never too early for children to get involved in the fun! Entrust the kids with hanging the decorations for the Super Bowl party and get them interested in football by explaining the basics of the game… and, if you’re so inclined, by encouraging them to root for your favorite team! Who knows, you may create a lifelong fan in the process!

You’re never too young to make a New Year’s Resolution (or, as we have all learned, never too old to break one). Explain to your children this annual tradition of refocus and determination by encouraging them to participate. They’re too young to have to worry about losing weight or quitting smoking, but perhaps they can vow to put their toys away every time or to be nicer to a baby brother or sister (and in the process make your life much easier!).

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is much more than just the first holiday following New Year’s Day. It’s an opportunity to explain to children the impact King had on civil rights in America and how far African-Americans have advanced since King’s efforts. Explain to children how King inspired the Civil Rights Movement. Recount how he led a year-long boycott of the bus system in Montgomery after an African-American woman, Rosa Parks, was arrested for not giving up her seat to a white person. Then tell of how his “I Have A Dream” speech-in which he asks for racial equality-continues to inspire people of all races.