For the third year in a row, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared November “Family Month” in the Sooner State.
The governor signed a proclamation on November 1, calling attention to the family, composed of mother, father and children, as an essential human institution.
“The family is the foundational institution of society, ordained by God, and is the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving society,” the proclamation states. “Families continue to be the most central social circle that a person can experience, putting great importance on the practice of consistent, intentional quality time.”
It continues, “The health and strength of the average family determines the path of society, and greatly relies on the strength and determination of fathers, the love and wisdom of mothers, and the joyful presence of children.”
“Oklahoma views children as a gift to their parents and a joy to society, and for these children, quality family time continues to be a determining factor in positive social outcomes from general behavior to school grades, and even career aspirations.”
Therefore, the proclamation urges families to embrace quality time and regular family meals, events and activities, especially throughout the month of November.
You can read the proclamation below:
“I proudly proclaim November as Family Month,” Gov. Stitt said in the announcement. “If we want a strong nation, we must have strong communities and strong communities start with strong families.”
“This month, I challenge you to have more dinners around the table as a family. May God bless you and your family!”
The governor’s recommendation for families to eat meals together is a great suggestion. The social research strongly suggests that family mealtimes are hugely beneficial for kids.
In fact, one 2010 study published by Columbia University found that teens who have five to seven family dinners per week are twice as likely to receive higher grades in school and three times likelier to say they have excellent relationships with their parents.
Yet, only about 30% of families eat together regularly.
At Focus on the Family, we provide several practical strategies for you to consider for prioritizing family mealtimes:
- Set aside three, if not more, nights per week for “family meal” nights.
- Establish routines to spread the work of meal preparation around, considering the ages and abilities of those in your family.
- Encourage proper table manners.
- Turn off the televisions and put aside the smartphones.
- Without restricting topics of conversation too severely, address hot or touchy family issues at some other time.
As Thanksgiving approaches, consider ways you can cultivate relationships within your family and spend quality time with your loved ones – especially if you live in Oklahoma.
To speak with a family help specialist or request a free one-time counseling consultation, please call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Related articles and resources:
Cultivating Family Togetherness
Make the Most of Time With Dad
Maximizing Enjoyment of Family Meals
Dinner: Nourish Your Family … As a Family
Slow Down to Create Margin for Family Time
Prioritizing and Planning Family Meals in a Hectic Home
The Benefits of Family Mealtimes and How to Make Them Happen
Oklahoma Governor Declares June ‘Month for Life’ for Second Year
Oklahoma Governor Declares November ‘Family Month,’ Launches Pro-Family Campaign
Photo from Getty Images.
