September 22-26, 2008, as "Family Week - A week to eat dinner with your children" - Proclamation by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

09/22/2008 Print Version |

September 22-26, 2008, as "Family Week - A week to eat dinner with your children"

PROCLAMATION

by the

Governor of the State of California

Families serve as support systems for our children and instill in them the values that will last a lifetime. Coming together and eating dinner as a family is one of the simplest ways to establish a positive connection with your kids, and regularly spending quality time with them helps lead to better communication and stronger relationships.

In our busy lives, it is often easy to forget the importance of taking the time to eat dinner together. However, research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University shows that the more often our young ones eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs. The dinner table gives family members the opportunity to talk to one another, and the parental engagement and bonds that are fostered during frequent family dinners are effective tools to help keep kids free from substance abuse.

The closeness that family dinners create can also extend beyond the dining table. By cooking healthy meals together, parents and children can teach each other about the importance of being fit and eating nutritiously. Playing games, enjoying the great outdoors or even preparing a family emergency plan are more great ways to spend time together and grow closer to one another. And your family can share your love and compassion with those in need through volunteering and serving your community together.

During this week, as well as throughout the rest of the year, I encourage all Californians to eat dinner with their children and spend more time together. These small steps teach our kids the value of family, and help them build bright and successful futures.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim September 22-26, 2008, as "Family Week - A week to eat dinner with your children."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 23rd day of September 2008.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State


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09/22/2008 Print Version \| September 22-26, 2008, as "Family Week - A week to eat dinner with your children" PROCLAMATION by the Governor of the State of California Families serve as support systems for our children and instill in them the values that will last a lifetime. Coming together and eating dinner as a family is one of the simplest ways to establish a positive connection with your kids, and regularly spending quality time with them helps lead to better communication and stronger relationships. In our busy lives, it is often easy to forget the importance of taking the time to eat dinner together. However, research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University shows that the more often our young ones eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs. The dinner table gives family members the opportunity to talk to one another, and the parental engagement and bonds that are fostered during frequent family dinners are effective tools to help keep kids free from substance abuse. The closeness that family dinners create can also extend beyond the dining table. By cooking healthy meals together, parents and children can teach each other about the importance of being fit and eating nutritiously. Playing games, enjoying the great outdoors or even preparing a family emergency plan are more great ways to spend time together and grow closer to one another. And your family can share your love and compassion with those in need through volunteering and serving your community together. During this week, as well as throughout the rest of the year, I encourage all Californians to eat dinner with their children and spend more time together. These small steps teach our kids the value of family, and help them build bright and successful futures. NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim September 22-26, 2008, as "Family Week - A week to eat dinner with your children." IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 23rd day of September 2008. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Governor of California ATTEST: DEBRA BOWEN Secretary of State Email the Governor \| Email Alerts \| Internship Program \| Technical Contact \| RSS Feeds \| Site Map \| Privacy Policy \| Conditions of Use \| Office Contact CA State Homepage \| Save Our Water © 2009 State of California	Gov. Schwarzenegger on Twitter Gov. Newsroom on Twitter MORE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE PROCLAMATIONS 09/23/09 - September 23-30, 2009, as “WE Are Family Week: A week to eat dinner with your children" 09/22/09 - Special Election Proclamation 09/15/09 - September 15 through October 15, 2009, as “Hispanic Heritage Month” 09/11/09 - September 11, 2009, as “Patriot Day"