BOUNTIFUL -- "Turn off the television, ignore the phone, put away the newspaper and gather your family around the table," said Linda Reeves of the Bountiful High School PTSA. "Join families throughout Utah for Family Table Talk.

Family Table Talk is sponsored by the National and Utah State PTA in honor of National Family Week 2007, which runs from Nov. 18 through Nov. 25.

"Gather your family to eat together, share stories, talk, laugh and enjoy each other's company, said Reeves. "Such activities help create strong families, and strong families are at the center of our strong Utah communities."

Reeves said that the guidelines are to turn off the TV, eat together and talk. But, don't make it a time to focus on problems or deal with discipline.

"Encourage casual, positive conversation at the eating table," she said. "Ask questions about the day's activities, praise one another and express love and gratitude."

The 2007 National Family Week campaign aims to strengthen children and families, especially those that are vulnerable.

The BHS PTSA is urging all Davis County families to participate in the week-long family-focused event. And, the Utah State PTA is hoping more Utah families will participate in Family Table Talk this year than ever before.



sryther@davisclipper.com