Ever heard of Take Your Kid to Work Day, or Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day? I remember going with my grandma to her work at Honeywell a long time ago. It was a great experience for me- I was able to feel like a VIP walking into this big "corporate" office building. I remember taking a tour with a few other students. I remember getting to see blueprints and gain an insight on how things were made, and how businesses operate from the inside. The best part was that I got a day of playing hooky from school!
Open communication is great for you and your child, and it brings a sense of closeness to both parties. When you share that other big part of your life (work) with your kids, it helps them to understand what you do all day and why you do it. It opens their minds to questions, and trust me, they're going to want to find an answer--this is good! Sometimes, the child/teen may be able to help YOU solve a problem that you couldn't see before.
They'll also be able to watch and learn how employees act in a workplace: how you speak with co-workers, how you speak with customers, how you handle stress or negotiate, how you organize and manage your time, etc. Children will see why work is so important, what the benefits of different roles are, and even learn work-life balance from you! The whole day is about learning and communication, first hand, for your child ... and it's a wonderful thing!
This year's theme for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is "Inspire 2 Aspire." The core message revolves around the idea that each child has the potential to be an inspiration in their own right. By participating in programs that offer a glimpse into various careers and industries, they not only gain valuable insights but also become catalysts for positive change. It promotes diversity, encouraging youth to explore different paths and envision a future where their unique strengths contribute to a harmonious and dynamic workplace.
- The Daughters and Sons to Work Day Foundation will host a virtual event on Thursday, April 25h, 2024.
- The US Department of the Interior will also be hosting an online event from 10am - 3pm.
- National Institutes of Health will have all day live and recorded sessions available between 9am - 4pm.
- Below are more links to some great resources to engage with students on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day / Take Your Kid to Work Day:
*Please note that I am NOT affiliated with any of the above, I simply am looking for ideas to help you share the day with your children*