We usually think of December as the holiday month, but February isn’t too shabby, either. There’s Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. It’s also Children’s Dental Health Month, not exactly a holiday that you celebrate with sweets and treats, but an important reminder that the brushing, flossing and check-up habits you help your child develop now are likely to last a lifetime.

We have two articles this month on that theme. Go online at BayAreaParent.com for advice on what to do if your child happens to have a tooth knocked out. And in our Mom’s Minute interview on page 12, a pediatric dentist offers tips on dealing with a kid who resists brushing and flossing.

Our Valentine’s Day offering, which starts on page 20, is a great reminder that all relationships take work – especially when children come along. It’s so easy to allow the time and pressures of parenting to get in the way of romance. Writer Susan Flynn lists seven habits of unsuccessful couples and ways to avoid the relationship-wrecking pitfalls. I’m sure you’re guilty of some of them. I know I am.

We honor Black History Month with a roundup of local events on page 52. Plus, on page 24, there’s a fascinating tribute to Ezra Jack Keats, the author of the beautifully illustrated children’s book classic, The Snowy Day, the first picture book to have an African American main character. Maybe you read it as a child yourself and have shared it with your own little one. If you love that book, mark your calendar for later this year: In November, there will be a special exhibit of Keats’ work at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.

Our Cover Story

I recall reading a survey saying that a high percentage of children dislike practicing their musical instrument and often quit. That’s a shame.

Because another study finds that a high percentage of adults wish that they played a musical instrument! It’s a perplexing situation. Maybe the problem is that the instrument chosen just didn’t suit the personality of the young musician. Maybe the child who complains about practicing piano is better suited to rocking a guitar?

Jesse Scheinin, a writer and young professional sax player, delves into the topic with first-hand experience. This is a must-read article on page 26 if you are trying to steer your child toward a life-long love of music.

As always, check out our extensive calendar section, starting on page 47. This month, I especially recommend a new offering that we are calling “Worth the Drive.” Here, you’ll find some awesome outings in other parts of the Bay Area that are worthy of your time and a little extra gas.

Have a fantastic February,

Jill Wolfson, editor