How National Take Our Daughter and Sons to Work Day Provides Opportunity for Connection
Growing up, I was a “pastor’s daughter” and watched him teach the word of God to others very often. It was always a fascinating experience to see how he spent his days and to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his work life. I would sit and watch the hustle and bustle around me, trying to make sense of the grown-up conversations and his daily tasks. Sometimes, he would give me small tasks that made me feel important and grown up. It was a valuable opportunity to learn about the responsibilities of the working world, and it gave me more appreciation for what he did each day beyond simply being my dad.
Back in the day, my dad took me to work out of care and necessity; now, on the third Thursday in April, families participate in “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” Originally known as “Take Our Daughters to Work Day,” the commemoration was established in the early 1990s by the Ms. Foundation for Women and influential women activists, including Gloria Steinem, Patricia Carbine, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, and Marlo Thomas. The day was initially designed to introduce girls to various work experiences, but in 2003 the event was expanded to include boys, and its name was changed.
As they grow and mature, children’s curiosity about the world around them—including what careers interest them and what their parents do all day—naturally increases. Taking your child to work can help them engage in various activities to make the day more interactive and impactful. This year, we began our day with an office tour, showing them where we work and introducing them to coworkers and the various departments within the company. It’s great to incorporate hands-on activities such as making copies, doing simple experiments, or joining you in a meeting or presentation. If they are curious about other skill sets, you could coordinate with a colleague to show your children what other people do and how the company operates. Support their curiosity by allowing them to ask you and your coworkers questions about your work, company, or education.
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day offers an opportunity to provide valuable lessons about responsibility, respect, and the importance of collaboration. Seeing you at work helps your children understand the effort and dedication needed to thrive professionally. This day also bridges the gap between your work and home life, demystifying the world of work for your children and illustrating how your job is intertwined with your confidence and contentment. Participating strengthens the bond with your children, creates lasting memories, and opens channels for deeper, more meaningful conversations about education and their own future professional opportunities.
Then, at the end of the day or on the drive home, take some time to discuss what they enjoyed most, what they learned, and if they have any idea about their future jobs. Don’t be disappointed if swiping your key card tops the list—inspiration for an exciting career comes in many forms.
Whether you’re a single parent or co-parenting, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is not just a fun outing, it’s an enriching experience for you and your children. You might ignite a spark in them that could lead to the next generation of leaders. By spending time with them from the breakfast table to the boardroom, you are showing them what you do and reinforcing the belief that they can be anything they set their minds to.
Rebecca L. Palmer, Esq. is a Family & Marital Law attorney practicing in Orlando, FL. She may be reached at rebecca@rlplawgroup.com.
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