I have a vivid memory of going with my mom to her office when I was a child. I can't remember whether it was an official take your daughter to work day, or just a school closure day when she had to work, but it was such a rush of excitement for me. From walking alongside my beautiful mother in her trim suit, to seeing her extremely adult-looking office and meeting her colleagues, it felt like a thrilling preview of my own adult life in the decades yet to come.
That recollection sticks with me as I look at the April calendar and see "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" looming on the fourth Thursday of the month. (Okay, since 2003 it's been called "Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day" but since I only have girls, the point is moot.) Now that I predominantly work from home it seems like every day is take your daughters to work day, when they burst into my home office after they come back from school. But I do think it's valuable to expose your children to your career, to help them understand how work gives life purpose and why you spend so much time apart from them.
In that vein, our kindergartener's class recently held a career expo, and I volunteered to come to school to speak about my job. It was so much fun to see their bright faces and answer eager questions about my work. My daughter's chest was about two sizes larger than usual, as she proudly claimed ownership of her mama. (This is why it's good to go to school when they still want you around.) I certainly think she had more fun and learned more than if we had spent the morning together in my home office, with her watching me type on the computer and talk on the phone.
Are you participating in "Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day" this year? Will your office hold official events? Or are you on your own for programming?
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I wish we had a take your son to work day. I know in the past daughters were overlooked regarding careers, now, however I feel like our sons are not been given a fair shot early on to see themselves in a career. No wonder there are more women than men in colleges.
I take my sons to work with me, but I do wish we would have a day for them as well so that they know that they are just as valued.