When I was a kid, my mom used to take me to her job on Take Your Daughter to Work Day. That’s actually where I learned about filing alphabetically, using a fax machine, and how to type. I have fond memories of the law office in which she worked, including her co-workers who got to know me so well.
In 2003, the day become Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (or Take Our Children to Work Day), in order to include the boys who were being left out. Many bosses over the years have accommodated for kids coming into the office once a year (the fourth Thursday of April). Even schools have become involved and many have designed literature and curriculum around the day for those who do go to school. The purpose of the day was originally to focus on the self-esteem of girls (which is why boys were excluded). It was started in 1993 by the president of the Ms. Foundation for Women. Now, the purpose is more focused on providing kids with career opportunities – regardless of gender – and to inspire.
Oddly enough, I did not take any of my kids to work this year on that day. This is quite out of the norm because I usually have at least one of my kids with me when I go into the office on Thursdays. Something that I haven’t been doing, but would like to, is introducing my children to the business world. I want to show them what it means to pay attention to cost and revenue. I want them to learn about the ins and outs of managing a business. This is particularly important for my two girls – ages 12 and 10 – who both want to work for themselves in the future.
Show your kids what the professional world is like. Let them get excited about making a name for themselves, starting their own business, or even learning what they don’t want to do. Children are the future, as they say. Show them what the future holds.
