Getting Your Child Ready to Participate
Spending a little time in preparation with your child can make all the difference in having a successful Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day experience. Here are some recommendations:Coordinate with School. You will need to coordinate with the school if your child is spending the day with you. Get homework assignments if there are any. Make sure your child's teacher(s) know what's happening. In some cases, a short report on your child's experience may either replace homework for the day or might count for extra credit.
Manage Expectations. Spend a little time the night before explaining what your day will be like. If you will be in meetings part of the day, explain what the meeting is and who will be there. If you will be spending most of your time at a computer workstationl, let them know that too.
Be Prepared for Down Times. It is pretty likely that there will be times when your son or daughter will not be actively involved and may be bored. I always made sure they brought something to read or some homework for those times.
Bring A Question List. One thing several fathers recommend is having their child prepare a list of questions about your workplace. If the child brings the question list and looks for answers during the day, it can add much to their learning experience. And at the end of the day, you can respond to any unanswered questions.
It Doesn't Have to Be All Day. Sometimes in our Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, my son or daughter only came for half a day or a few hours. That's OK if it's needed. Occasionally, mom has come up to the office during the afternoon and picked up my companion. If you are not keeping your child all day, make sure and have transportation back home coordinated.
Making the Day Meaningful
Here are some tips for making Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day a hit with the kids.Consider a Tour. Rather than having your son or daughter stuck in your office all day, see if you can arrange time and logistics for a tour of other offices, departments or functions in your organization. A little variety can go a long way.
Coordinate with Other Parents. If other parents at your workplace are participating in the program, find time to let the children mingle a little. Maybe you do some things together and explain the differences between what you do all day and what they do. A little coordination and cooperation can help make the day a little less monotonous.
Make Time to Explain. If you have the flexibility, plan some free time during the day to explain and answer questions. Your child will probably be a little overwhelmed with the whole experience and may need some processing time.
Help Them Find Connections. Part of the genius of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is to help them see how their education is preparing them for the world of work. Look for times when math, reading or writing skills are used at work and help them see how school and work support each other.
Ask How They Would Have Done It. My children really love to second-guess me and see if I handle things the way they would. After an experience during the day, ask them how they would have handled the situation and why. It will enhance communication and help them think through and process their experience.
Make it a Bonding Experience. One of the important advantages of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is the chance to share meaningful time with your child. Look for ways to make memories as well as helping your child have a dose of reality. Enjoy lunch together or take the long way home. Taking full advantage of this opportunity can mean a lot to your child and to you.
