April 24th is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

When I was a little girl, there was something exciting about going to work with my dad. He was a computer programmer and worked in an office that seemed to always be buzzing with excitement. Even though I was young, I picked up a lot about work while visiting his office; I learned how to act in a professional environment and saw how my dad and his team worked together to achieve a common goal. When I began working in an office, a lot of what I learned while shadowing him went into effect at my first job.

April 24th, 2013 is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (also known as Take Your Children to Work Day), as employees all across the world are encouraged to take their children to work with them in order to show them a day in the life of what you do at work. What began as Take Our Daughters to Work Day in 1993, is now an important workplace staple for both sexes of children (it was expanded to Take Our Children to Work Day in 2003). It was founded by Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation for Women.

Your employer may or may not participate in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, but most offices do allow you to bring your children on this date (check with your manager or HR first). Some workplaces even have programs and events during the day that help you and your child bond while at work.

Why should you participate in Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day if your workplace encourages it? I believe that it can show your child a different side of you while allowing them to see just what you do at work. With a greater understanding of what it is you do at work, they can respect and appreciate more the career you have chosen. It will also give them a glimpse into working life and the commitment it takes for a rewarding career. For some, it can give them insight and allow them to explore careers and employment options.

Per the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day website:

Designed to be more than a career day, the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work^® program goes beyond the average “shadow” an adult. Exposing girls and boys to what a parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, and providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success. Each year, we develop new interactive activities and partnerships that will assist us in taking girls and boys to the future they dream of.

By bringing girls and boys together, we will continue to create a more equitable world—at home, at school, in the workplace, and in the community. This year we are celebrating the opportunities that girls and boys will discover and the opportunities for parents, mentors, and the community to continue involvement in this unique educational experience.

The recommended age for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is 8 to 18 years old.

This year’s theme is “Plant a seed. Grow a future”.

You don’t have to be a parent to participate in this important day for kids. You can be a mentor of a child, or a family member. Everyone is encouraged to be involved.

Will you be participating in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day this year? What do you think of the day’s premise and purpose?