Take Your Child to Work Day: How to prepare yourself, child and the office

Greg Giesen, Delaware News Journal
·3 min read

Remember the time your son or daughter looked at you and said, "What do you do at work all day?"

It's difficult to explain what happens at work. Sometimes, the best way for a child to learn is for them to see it themselves.

Children can get the opportunity with Take Your Child to Work Day.

When is Take Your Child to Work Day?

Bring Your Child To Work Day is on the fourth Thursday of April. This year, that's Thursday, April 25.

What is Take Your Child to Work Day?

According to daughtersandsonstowork.org, the event is designed to be more than a career day; it goes beyond the average practice of “shadowing” an adult. Exposing children to what a parent or mentor does during the workday shows them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities of work and family life. It provides boys and girls a chance to share how they envision the future and allows them to begin steps toward their goals in a hands-on and interactive environment.

What is the theme for Take Your Child to Work Day?

Inspire 2 Aspire is the 2024 theme, which is about instilling a mindset that children can choose their future. It highlights the collaborative development of youth, preparing them to navigate the evolving world of work.

What's the best age to take your child to work?

According to Indeed.com, the general age range is between 8 and 18 years old.

Tips for Take Your Child to Work Day

Here are some dos and don't if you're taking your child to work from Indeed.com:

Do's

  • Know your child's limitations: Don't do too much, but you also don't want your child bored. Plan a healthy balance of activities and remember, you're not dealing with an adult.

  • Keep your emotions in check: Even the best day can go sideways and you don't want your child to have a negative view of you or your workplace.

  • Check with your boss and other employees: It is just a courtesy to let everyone know your child will be in the office. Plus, you can also find out if any other children are participating so your child will have someone to keep them company.

  • Inform your school: You may want to check and make sure this is an excused absence or if there is classwork your child can do related to Take Your Child to Work Day.

  • Talk with your child about their experience afterward.

Don'ts

  • Don't force your child to participate: If a child doesn't want to go, he or she may not get the most out of it.

  • Don't leave your child unattended at work.

  • Don't oversell your job: Be honest about what you do. Your child won't have unrealistic expectations about his or her day.

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What should I do with my child during Take My Child to Work Day?

If you need help, the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation has a tool kit and facilitator guide for children at daughtersandsonstowork.org.

What if I can't take my child to work?

There are a number of virtual programs available. The U.S. Department of the Interior, for example, has a page dedicated to everything it's doing to celebrate Take Your Child to Work Day. The page has resources for teachers, parents and a virtual program from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Other sites like teambuilding.com have a list of activities and suggestions for parents who work from home.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is Take Your Child To Work Day. Here are the details