April 23 is "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day." Now in its 17th year, the day allows kids to get a first-hand glimpse of what their parents do at work as companies throughout the U.S. welcome kids to the office.
If you're planning on having your kid join you at work, we have some tips to help make sure you all enjoy the day.
- Do make sure your company is actually participating in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. If they aren't, ask your manager for permission to bring your kid to the office so that he or she can shadow you for the day.
- According to the Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day Foundation, kids who are between of 8 and 18 years old are considered "age appropriate" to visit your office. Do check with your company about age limits because you might find out that their rules for the day are different. (Some offices will allow younger kids to participate.)
- If you have more than one kid, do decide how many kids you want to bring with you to the office. Be realistic. Can you really manage having three kids trail you around the office?
- Do find out ahead of time what activities your office has planned for the day and talk it over with your kids. You may find out that your kid really isn't all that interested and would rather just go to school. Don't take it personally, just try again next year!
- Do get your kid involved in your workday. Aside from planned company activities, pick a few projects involved in your job that your kid can do. Whether it's helping you file, taking notes, writing on the white board or asking them to help you solve a simple problem you're facing, give them a "job" for the day.
- Do fill your kids in on office rules. No cell phone use in meetings? No eating in cubicles? Make sure your kids know and follow the rules.
- Don't bring sick kids to the office. Enough said.
- Don't let your kid bring video games to the office. Their day should be filled so they don't need to turn to games from home to stay occupied.
- Do ask your kids lots of questions about their career dreams. Does your job interest them? Why or why not? And how can you help them achieve their goals?
- Do have fun. How many times will your kid come to work with you on the company's dime? Enjoy spending time with your children. Make it a day they'll remember.
