Bring Your Kids to Work Day is Thursday. Here are etiquette tips for Alabama parents

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A chance to spark curiosity and confidence, Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day returns on Thursday, April 24, to give kids a front-row seat to the world of work.

The U.S. Department of the Interior dubbed this year’s theme, ‘For a New Generation,’ aiming to connect children with role models across various fields and help them explore future career possibilities.

As families prepare to bring their kids into the workplace this Thursday, reviewing a few simple etiquette tips is always a good time to ensure the day is both enjoyable and professional for everyone involved.

What is Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day?

Take Your Child to Work Day, now known as Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day, is an annual event that occurs on the fourth Thursday of April. It gives children a first-hand look at what their parents do on the job, offering a unique chance to explore different career paths and get a feel for the working world.

Participation is optional, and it can vary by workplace. Schools around the U.S. often excuse students for the day because it is an educational experience.

What is some workplace etiquette for parents?

Taking your child to work etiquette focuses on ensuring safety, minimizing disruptions and creating a positive, engaging experience for both the child and the workplace.

Here are some things that you can do to help prepare your child to come into your workplace:

• Keep visits short and age-appropriate
• Talk to your employer/manager ahead of time
• Prepare your child on what to expect out of the day
• Prepare snacks, activities and a quiet-time plan
• Emphasize respectable behaviors in the workplace.

What are some etiquette tips for employers?

If you are an employer and your employees will be bringing children to the workplace, here are some things you can do to prepare for their time in the office:

• Create a simple schedule for children that includes tours, demos or hands-on activities
• Assign mentors or guides for a diverse experience
• Create badges or certificates for the children to celebrate their day

Some ideal ideas for engagement include letting children try simple tasks or observe meetings. Holding a Q&A with employees in different roles is a widely popular idea.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected]