Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
How grandparents can make the most of it
By Kimberly Blaker
Take Our Daughters to Work Day was created in 1993 by the Ms. Foundation. The purpose was to help girls realize the importance of their abilities so that they can reach their full potential.
In 2003, the observation was officially changed to Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, to be inclusive of all kids.
Now, kids have the opportunity to experience the workforce one day each year, helping them to envision what tomorrow has to offer them.
Not all kids will get the opportunity to go to work with their parents. So on April 25, be a part of this nationwide event and empower your granddaughters and grandsons for a bright and fulfilling future.
A day at work with your grandkids
On Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, get your grandchild off to a good start by having them dress accordingly and arrive on time. Avoid having your grandchild just observe. Prepare in advance and have some work and tasks set aside to keep him or her busy throughout the day.
Also, try some of the following ideas:
• Have your grandkid keep a journal throughout the day and describe different aspects of the occupation they like, dislike, and why.
• Ask your granddaughter or grandson to compose questions about the occupation and interview coworkers. Questions might include the pros and cons of the job, why coworkers chose this occupation, and what their day entails. If your grandchild is shy or opposed to the idea, don’t force it. You want them to leave with positive feelings about the day.
• Describe hypothetical situations or problems that might arise in your job. Then ask your grandchild for ideas and solutions.
• Help your grandkid write a letter and an occupational questionnaire. Then have them prepare it to mail to businesses and professionals in occupations of interest. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a response, and take them to the post office at the end of the day.
• Give your grandkid a camera, a Polaroid, if possible, to take photos throughout the day. Then have them compile a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day scrapbook. They can include descriptions of each photo and what was learned or discovered.
• Visit yourfreecareertest.com, where kids can do a free online survey to discover what careers fit their personalities and interests. Then they can go to kids.usa.gov/teens/jobs/ for career information that’s designed for young teens.
• Help your grandchild create a career folder and design forms to track school classes, grades, career interests and experiences, honors and awards, and other relevant information for preparing for secondary education or joining the workforce.
Alternatives to taking grandkids to work
If you’re unable to take your grandchild to work, consider volunteer work for the day. Offer to assist a teacher, help with a political campaign or another community service project in which your grandchild can join you.
Give your grandchild alternative opportunities related to their interest in a particular occupation. If you know someone in the field, ask if your grandchild can go to work with them. Or ask a nearby company what it’s planning for the day and how your grandchild can participate.
Other ways grandparents can participate and promote the day
Not all kids will have the opportunity to participate in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Talk with family and friends and mention you’d like to volunteer to take a child to work who otherwise won’t have the opportunity.
Taking kids to work isn’t the only way grandparents can participate in the observance. Make the most of the day for all kids by doing any of the following.
• Promote Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day by writing a letter to the editor to create awareness.
• Form a committee in your community or at work to promote the day and plan events to make it a success.
• Create flyers to remind parents and grandparents of the upcoming day, and post them on community bulletin boards in libraries, grocery stores, and banks. Also, ask companies to post them in their break rooms or on employee bulletin boards.
• Ask your employer to support the event, and discuss ways the company can help make the day a success. Assist in planning special activities for girls throughout the day, such as speakers, group discussions, or luncheon.
• Organize a speaking engagement in your community on the topic of Taking Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Use the event to explain the importance and significance of the day, suggest ways people can participate in the day, and what they can do when they take their kids to work.