I have always loved the idea of “Take Your Child to Work Day.”
So when my dad asked me recently if I wanted to come to work with him for a day, I jumped at the chance. I packed a lunch, grabbed a book, and set my alarm clock for seven in the morning.
And now that I’ve had my day at work with Dad, I think every teen should give it a shot.
Think about it: Many parents spend a huge amount of time focusing on their children. They know a lot about their kids’ lives. But how many teens can say they know a lot about their parents’ lives? Like who they talk to each day? What their jobs are like? What they deal with during the average workweek?
Spending a day with parents at work is a firsthand way to see what their lives are like outside of the house. You’ll get to check out their work environment, meet their co-workers, and see what they do during those eight long hours. You can gain a whole new perspective on what their lives are really like.
The first Take Your Child to Work Day was in 1993. It actually began as Take Your Daughter to Work Day and was an initiative of the Ms. Foundation, to give teenage girls exposure to the world of work and boost their self-confidence.
Plus, whether or not you’re interested in the field your parents work in, spending a day at work with them can give you a taste of life in the professional work world. Experiencing this is a good idea—after all, this will likely be your life in the future.
One more thing: Going to work with a parent can be a great bonding opportunity. After all, how much time do you actually spend with your parents? Juggling school, homework, extracurriculars, and friends, it can be tough to fit in family activities. You’ll be headed off to college in a few years, so why not spend quality time with your family now, when you have the chance? Going to work with a parent for a day is a great way to do this—it’s eye-opening, and it’s fun.
For me, going to work with my dad exceeded my expectations. I now feel a lot more clued into and a part of his daily life and job. I highly recommend spending a day at work with a parent. Have a great day at work!
