Valentine's Day is much different for adults than for children. For adults, the day typically involves flowers, candy, a sentimental greeting card and maybe a romantic dinner at a favorite restaurant. For children, Kansas State University child development specialist, Bradford Wiles, says the day is more about kindness than love. He says children don't begin to view Valentine's Day in terms of romantic love until later in their school years. He says parents can show kindness toward their children and themselves by spending the day together doing various activities. It doesn't matter what type of activity is done or how it turns out. He says spending time together helps build a connection and strengthens bonds.

Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.

Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.