When I was a kid, I wanted to be everything from a dolphin trainer to a candy seller when I grew up. Today, I am loving EVERYTHING about the career I chose and chased, and some day I look forward to bringing my son (due August 22nd!) to work with me to show him what it's all about.
I still have vivid memories of my dad bringing me along for Take Your Child To Work Day when I was a kid. He worked for both King County and Snohomish County in the juvinile court systems, and I was so fascinated in learning what he did for a living. What I really loved is how he had his coworkers take me under their wings, too, showing me the various aspects of the world he worked in. I got to watch court preceedings, learn about programs like CASA and being a guardian ad litem, tour all of the facilities and even go out to lunch at his favorite places in the big city. It was a true "day in the life" that inspired me to find my own passion in life and make it my career.
On Thursday, April 25th, Take Your Child To Work Day is a great opportunity to bring your kids along and show them what it is you're up to all day while they're off doing what kids do. Here are a few tips for making an impact if you're planning to bring them along:
1. Talk to your boss and coworkers. Definitely get the okay, and see if others are planning to bring their kids along as well. If there's a great interest, maybe plan some inclusive activities!
2. Plan out the day. 8 hours is a LONG time, so take them around and introduce them to your colleagues, telling them a little bit about the various operations in your workplace. You might consider doing what my dad used to do, and set aside some time for your child to shadow one of your coworkers to break up the day with some variety. If you know that your child has a specific interest, it might be nice to pair them with someone you work with who has something to offer that would peak their attention!
3. Show them around the neighborhood. Maybe you have a favorite place to eat lunch like my dad always did. Maybe you like to take a walk to a park on your lunch break and eat with some ambiance! I know that kitty corner from my work, the Sky View Observatory in the Columbia Tower is having a Superhero party for kids who come to work with their parents on Thursday, so check to see if there are similar activities and special events happening in the area near your work!
4. Let them help out. If you can have your child help with a few tasks, they'll love feeling like they are helping! Even something as simple as helping you put a letter in the mail, answering a phone call or taking notes, they'll feel involved in the process and learn even more!
5. Make them the center of your day. You might have a lot going on, and it might get busy, but don't let them get bored and don't leave them out. Engage at every opportunity and keep them involved!
Enjoy the day on Thursday, and use the hashtag #TakeYourChildToWorkDay if you participate!
Happy Adventuring,
Taryn Daly
#TarynItUp
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