Today, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day may perhaps be more important than ever before, as we aim to promote this real world learning, as well as gender equality, career path guidance, and the importance of structured teamwork.

1. 5 Tips to Make the Most of
the Opportunity
The Importance of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day:

2. Each year, the fourth Thursday of April is
recognized as Take Our Daughters and Sons to
Work Day, and more than 37 million Americans
at over 3.5 million workplaces participate in this
special event.*
*forbes.com/pictures/efkk45eihdg/the-dos-and-donts-of-take-your-kids-to-work-day-
2/#50f42e122671

3. To understand the significance of the day as it
stands now, though, let’s first take a step or two
back to consider its origins. The idea was created in
New York City in the summer of 1992 by the Ms.
Foundation, specifically the organization’s president
at the time, Marie C. Wilson, and first celebrated as
Take Our Daughters to Work Day on April 22, 1993.

4. And if you need a history refresher on the early 1990s, a
national conversation had begun regarding what was next for
feminism. The testimony of law professor Anita Hill during
Clarence Thomas’ 1991 Supreme Court confirmation hearing
had changed the way Americans talked about workplace
harassment, and helped propel women to historic victories in
the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.*
*time.com/4753128/take-your-our-daughters-to-work-day-history/

5. But let’s not forget
about our sons here!

6. The program officially expanded in 2003 to include
boys, but most involved companies had allowed both
boys and girls to participate since its inception, so the
name of the day just had to catch up a bit in order to
reflect that. The official website states that things
were changed in order to provide both boys and girls
with opportunities to explore careers at an age when
they are more flexible in terms of gender roles.

7. The Ms. Foundation also states that men who
have hosted children have benefited from being
seen as parental figures in addition to their
roles as professionals, which can contribute to
combating gender stereotypes as well.

8. So now that you have a little bit of background
on the development of the day, let’s explore
how you can make the most of the experience
for your child, as well as for yourself.
Here are five tips to think about:

9. Think about what would be most meaningful to your child, given his or her
unique interests. Sit down and discuss what he or she wants to learn that day, or
what specific questions there may be on what your work is really all about.
Remember, kids who are participating are also missing a day of school, so it’s
crucial you have a different type of learning experience set up for the day – one
that will have long-lasting influence on their goals, work ethic, and
understanding of the professional world.
Plan the day with your child.
#1

10. Many HR departments now offer a full day planned in advance for participating children, so that
they can grasp a bigger picture of how the company comes together to operate as a team.
However, many businesses do not do this so it’s important you speak to the powers that be in
advance, as well as your work cohorts, to tell them your plan with your child and how you’d like
to optimize the day. No busy co-worker wants to be distracted by a roaming child, so it’s best
for everyone if there is a structure planned in advance – one that will work for your organization
and also for your child.
Plan the day with your employer
and colleagues.
#2

11. And on that note, prep your kids before they go to work with you by
providing some guidelines. Tell them exactly what will be expected of
them, and reinforce what a fantastic learning experience this will be.
Lay the ground rules in advance, and
reinforce them.
#3

12. Say you’re an architect, and you’ve long known that your neighbor’s son
is also super interested in this career path. Consider speaking to your
neighbor about offering the opportunity for their child to accompany
you to work on this recognized day.
Open up the opportunity to kids
other than your own.
#4

13. While the goal would be to keep the day interesting, you also have to keep it realistic.
Allow your child to see ups and downs, and problem-solving skills put to work, while
letting him/her take part in the process, which can be a valuable and empowering
exercise. Having your child shadow you is one thing, but keeping him/her engaged is
taking the day to the next level.
Make it a real “real world” experience.
#5

14. Today, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work
Day may perhaps be more important than
ever before, as we aim to promote this real
world learning, as well as gender equality,
career path guidance, and the importance of
structured teamwork.

15. Understanding the path taken to get here, and
incorporating these suggested tips as you take
part in the day, will ensure that you’re making
the most of the opportunity, and most
importantly that your child is reaping the full
benefits too.