More recently, they have been melded into one sole holiday, called Presidents’ Day, always a Monday, usually between these two dates.

        While some people bemoan this change, you can take an opportunity to help your children understand the contributions made by the men who have led our country for more than 200 years. Perhaps discussions with your children about these topics can lead them to a better understanding of what some people these days call "those dead white guys."

• Who was your favorite president, and why?
   
• Have you ever visited one of the presidents’ library and museums?
   
• In which presidential election did you vote for the first time?
   
• Were you ever active in a presidential campaign?
   
• Who was president when you were born?
   
• Can you name the succession of presidents during your lifetime.
   
• Who was president when your children were born?
   
• If you came to the United States from another country, perhaps you can explain to your children the differences between the office of the president of the United States and the leader of the country from which you came.

        There are presidents depicted on our coins and bills. Do your children know who they are? Do they understand their accomplishments and the reasons why they are so honored?

        If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel with your children, you may be able to visit the White House as well as memorials to various presidents in Washington, DC and around the country. But you can also find out about these people without even leaving your home, by reading about them in library books.