National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Offices, clinics, studios, and stores open their doors to curious young eyes on a special day each year. National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day brings kids into the real world of jobs—not just to observe, but to imagine.
They see how adults solve problems, meet deadlines, and juggle tasks. That kind of exposure can plant early ideas about future paths, all while strengthening the bond between family and work life.
Kids who take part often walk away with a clearer picture of how effort connects to outcomes. They ask questions, explore settings, and learn what makes a workplace tick.
That mix of learning and seeing helps break down the mystery of adulthood. It sparks fresh dreams and shows that every career starts with curiosity—and a close look at what’s possible.
How to Celebrate National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day offers a unique opportunity to introduce children to the professional environment.
Here are several engaging ways to make the day memorable and educational.
Interactive Workplace Tours
Guide children through different departments, explaining each area’s function. Encourage questions to foster curiosity and understanding.
This hands-on approach helps them grasp the diverse roles within a company.​
Hands-On Projects
Involve kids in simple, supervised tasks related to your work. For example, they might assist in organizing materials or participate in a brainstorming session.
Engaging in real tasks provides a tangible sense of accomplishment.​
Problem-Solving Challenges
Present age-appropriate challenges that require creative thinking. Activities like the Marshmallow Challenge promote teamwork and innovation.
Such exercises demonstrate the importance of collaboration in the workplace.​
Career Discussions
Arrange brief talks where colleagues share their career paths and daily responsibilities. This exposes children to various professions and the educational journeys behind them.
Understanding different roles can inspire future aspirations.​
Feedback Sessions
Encourage kids to provide input on products or services. Discussing their observations teaches evaluative thinking and the value of constructive criticism.
This activity highlights how feedback contributes to improvement.
Creative Workshops
Host sessions like tie-dyeing or pottery-making to blend fun with learning. These activities allow children to express creativity while subtly introducing concepts like following instructions and patience.​
Financial Literacy Activities
Introduce basic budgeting exercises to explain how earnings translate to expenses. Discussing simple financial concepts helps children appreciate the value of money and the importance of financial planning.​
History of National Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day
In 1992, the Ms. Foundation for Women launched an idea that would soon take off across the country. They created Take Our Daughters to Work Day to help girls see the wide range of careers open to them.
The first event happened on April 22, 1993. Millions of girls spent the day learning what their parents or mentors did at work. They asked questions, joined in activities, and started to imagine their own futures.
At the time, the focus was on girls because research showed they often felt less confident about their career paths.
The goal was to change that by opening their eyes to real-world experiences. As the event grew more popular, many families and schools wanted boys to join, too. So in 2003, the program changed its name and opened the door to all children.
Now, the day encourages learning, dreaming, and planning for the future. It’s not just about watching adults work.
It’s about helping kids think bigger, aim higher, and understand how different jobs work. Each year, children across the U.S. join their parents, guardians, or mentors at work, gaining a better sense of how their education connects to the world beyond school.
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