Your pre-schooler still has lots to work out about the world and the people in it.
Key Takeaways
Show them your world. Visiting your workplace can help your child understand where you go and feel more secure when you're away.
Plan ahead. Speak with your manager first, and give colleagues a heads-up—especially if there's no existing ‘kids at work’ day.
Pick a good time. Mornings usually work best for toddlers. Keep the visit short – around one to two hours – with a snack or lunch break.
Make it interactive and safe. Dress your child appropriately, let them try simple, quiet tasks, and explain what different colleagues do.
Create a memory. Take photos and help your child reflect afterwards by drawing pictures or telling a story about their visit.
Expose Your Child to Everyday Situations
It's a good idea to let your child actually see what goes on when you're working or volunteering. It widens their world by exposing them to everyday situations and structures outside family life. If you can arrange it, it's worth taking your curious kid on a visit to the office or a shop.
Tips For Introducing Your Child to Your Workspace
Here are eight suggestions that will help make that visit good for your child and manageable for you and your colleagues.
Talk to the boss first
There already may be a child's day at work within the company. If there isn't, you might want to start one – it's great PR for the company as well as a big internal morale builder. If you do bring your child, let your co-workers know in advance so there's no surprise.
Choose a good time
Young children are at their best in the morning, while kids in school do better with an afternoon visit. Consider when interesting things tend to happen and when your child's presence is least likely to be disruptive.
Keep it short
Plan on a visit of an hour or two. More is generally too much for a young child, and things are more likely to fall apart. Be sure to include a snack or lunch break.
Make sure that your child is dressed appropriately
Let him try out what you do, if it's possible: sign on to the computer system, make a copy of a schedule, ask a customer if she needs help, offer a serving of potatoes – whatever doesn't compromise you, your child or the work.
Introduce your child to your colleagues
Explain to her what each of them does.
Take photos
This can illustrate a story she dictates to you about the visit. She will certainly want to add her own illustrations of the day spent “working” with mum or dad.
Bottom Line
By giving your child the opportunity to see where you work, she will have a greater sense of security to be able to visualise where you are when you're not at home. It can also make you feel happier that you have shared this with her.
