“Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” is a national educational program designed to expose children to the professional world and the value of education. This annual event provides young people with a firsthand look at a parent’s or mentor’s job responsibilities and the environment in which they work. It helps bridge the gap between a child’s family life and professional commitments, allowing for meaningful conversations about career development and future possibilities. The program offers insights into various industries and inspires the next generation of the workforce.
When the Event Takes Place
The official timing rule for this national event dictates that it is held annually on the fourth Thursday in April. Because the date is not fixed, the specific day changes each year. This recurring scheduling ensures the event generally falls on a school day for most children, maximizing the educational impact. For the current year, the event takes place on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Looking ahead, the event will occur on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The Mission Behind the Day
The day’s overarching mission is to show children the value of their education and to broaden their understanding of potential career paths. The program originated in 1993 as “Take Our Daughters to Work Day,” founded by the Ms. Foundation for Women to address self-esteem issues and limited professional exposure for young girls. The goal was to empower girls by showing them diverse professional roles and encouraging them to consider non-traditional fields.
The program expanded in 2003 to include sons, reflecting a desire to offer career exploration opportunities to all young people and to challenge gender-based stereotypes in the workplace. The educational goals focus on allowing both girls and boys to dream without gender limitations. By providing a glimpse into the adult working world, the day aims to help children set goals and begin charting a course toward their own professional ambitions.
Essential Guidelines for Participating Employees
Employees planning to participate must first check with their management or Human Resources department, as workplace involvement is voluntary and requires company approval. Mandatory registration is a standard requirement for all attendees, which helps the company manage security, logistics, and catering for the day. While age limits vary by organization, the event typically targets children between the ages of 8 and 18.
The parent or guardian bringing the child assumes full responsibility for the child’s behavior and supervision throughout the entire day. Employees must plan their child’s schedule in advance, ensuring they have structured activities and do not simply sit unsupervised at a desk. Children are expected to adhere to an appropriate dress code, which is usually business casual or the equivalent, respecting the professional nature of the workplace.
Tips for Hosting a Successful Workplace Event
Organizations hosting the event must prioritize both safety and structure to ensure a positive experience for all participants. It is necessary to secure parental waivers beforehand, which document emergency contacts and grant permission for the child to participate in company activities and tours. Clear safety protocols must be established and communicated, particularly when the tour involves machinery, laboratories, or areas with sensitive data.
The day should feature structured activities that are both educational and engaging, rather than simply having children shadow their parent’s routine tasks. Effective programming often includes office tours, simple hands-on projects related to the company’s work, and a group lunch or Q&A session with leadership. Organizers must ensure that non-participating employees can still complete their regular work with minimal disruption by setting clear boundaries and providing designated areas for the children’s activities.