The Do’s and Dont’s of Taking Your Child to Work Place

Taking your child along with you to the workplace will definitely be an educational experience to the child- seeing you in your professional environment, how you act in situations of crisis and also how you deal with resolution of problems and manage every part that needs your attention will open your child’s eyes to the world. It will also expose the child to an experience that paves the way they perceive the world outside of their own confinements, and gives them an insight into their own minds which helps them decide what they want to do when they grow up and what field to pursue a professional career in.

They might end up loving the environment of constant hurry and excitement that drives a workplace – and you will find out irreplaceable admiration in your child’s eyes once they see what you do and later you might even find them telling people how great you were and how he or she wants to end up doing what you want for a living! However, there are certain points to be kept in mind and some things which you should avoid when you finally do take your child with yourself to the workplace.

Toddlers at the workplace

If there is one thing you know about toddlers is that, they are feisty little creatures who wreck havoc in the wake of wherever they go – but in the most lovable and adorable way you can ever imagine. When you decide to finally take your toddler to the workplace with you, remember to set a few ground rules both for yourself, and the little fella, so that you two can enjoy the whole experience with the least possible chances of wrecking a mad havoc at your office – the super important place that gives you the money to feed yourself and your family.

Do’s

1. Prepare the child and workplace for the day

Before you take your child to your workplace, make sure that all the supplies that you require for the toddler – food drink and toys – are packed in. You should also allow your kid to rest well and good before the actual day arrives – the little one needs all the energy he or we can save for a trip to the parent’s office. At the same time, make alternate arrangements at the convenience of your workplace in case your child needs to take a nap without possible disturbance.

2. Plan an interesting day for the child

In anticipation of the big day, do find out from your company if there are going to be any activities that have been specially planned for the kids. Your child should not be aimlessly following you while yoiu work;  the same way you should not be carrying around your toddler with you while at work!

It is certainly not beneficial to either you, or the child and especially not your work. If you could keep the child engaged in some activity that interests him or her, like painting, playing etc., that will ensure that the child stays occupied and happy while you go about doing your business.

3. Take feedback from your child

If indulged, children would constantly give out feedback when they are interested and they are usually very honest about it. You will be able to observe it in their body language. If your child is above 4 years of age, you could simply ask him/her about the way the day went -as in how they enjoyed it, whether they loved the experience or not and if they would like to come have the similar experience again in future. That will also make them feel important, because you are your child’s biggest hero – and seeing you at work would be an eye-opener for them, and will make them respect you even more.

4. Encourage questions

If your child is old enough, encourage him or her to ask as many questions as they want to about the workplace and its environment. The whole idea of a take-your-child-to-work day is to get the child acquainted and involved in your workplace activities in their own way, learn the way you work for a living, and probably get them excited about coming back again! That would only happen if you entertain their queries and answer them in a way that piques their interest.

5. Don’t let your child get bored

Boredom for the child could mean irritation, frustration and tears. In case your workplace does not provide the amenities for a child’s entertainment, you at least need to do something about it or absolutely avoid the idea of taking your child along – because the last thing you want is the baby’s wailing and snorting disrupting the workflow in the office.Also, its important that you do not modify the professional office decor in a way that is distracting for the usual workers, just for the sake of keeping your child feel connected. Try to keep it as close to reality as possible, because that is the environment you want the child to come in contact with, that’s the part of you that you want your child to know, apart from the identity of just a parent.

Don’ts

6. Don’t neglect safety matters

Just like the responsible parent that you are, do make sure in advance that the child’s safety is never compromised during the visit. If some areas of the office compound are dangerous or restricted, ensure that the kids are kept away from there. It is also important to ensure that delicate, sensitive and/or costly equipment are kept away from the reach of children at all costs.

7. Don’t make the child witness bad attitude

It is totally possible that you might be having a bad day at work exactly on the day when you take your kids along to the office. However difficult it might seem, it is important that you remember not throw or show any form of bad attitude in front of them. Also, be mindful of not scolding the kids in public. It will make them hate you one hundred percent, and you do not want that on top of having a bad day as well.

8. Don’t take the child along if the workplace is inappropriate

If you work at a place where children are prohibited to enter, or it has an environment which is suited to only adults, it might not be a good idea to bring your children along. You do not want your child to be exposed to danger or experiences which might be inappropriate of them to be privy of.