Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

A Comprehensive Guide to Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is one of the most significant educational initiatives in the United States, designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world. More than just a day of "shadowing" a parent, it is a nationwide movement that empowers the next generation to envision their futures. By stepping into offices, laboratories, construction sites, and hospitals, millions of children across the country gain a firsthand look at the diverse opportunities available to them. This day serves as a catalyst for ambition, encouraging young minds to connect their current studies with the practical realities of a career.

What makes this day truly special is its focus on inclusivity and the breakdown of gender stereotypes. It is a day where the abstract concept of "work" becomes tangible. Children are not merely spectators; they are invited to engage, ask questions, and imagine themselves in roles they might never have considered. For parents and mentors, it is a chance to share their professional passion and demonstrate the value of hard work, ethics, and specialized skills. It fosters a unique bond between generations, as children gain a newfound respect for the challenges their parents navigate daily, and adults are reminded of the fresh, inquisitive perspective that youth brings to any environment.

In an era where career paths are rapidly evolving due to technology and global shifts, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day remains more relevant than ever. It provides a platform for businesses to invest in their future workforce and for schools to validate the importance of life-long learning. It is a day of inspiration where the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" moves away from fantasy and toward a grounded, achievable reality.

When is it in 2026?

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday of April. In 2026, the event will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

As of today, there are 110 days remaining until the next celebration.

The date of this event is variable rather than fixed. Because it is tied to the "fourth Thursday of April," the calendar date shifts slightly each year. This scheduling is intentional, ensuring the event always falls on a weekday when businesses are fully operational and schools can integrate the experience into their weekly curriculum.

History and Origins

The roots of this program are deeply embedded in the social and educational movements of the late 20th century. It was founded in 1992 by the legendary activist Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation for Women. At its inception, the program was titled "Take Our Daughters to Work Day." The primary motivation behind this specific focus was a response to research showing that adolescent girls often suffered from a significant drop in self-esteem and confidence as they entered their teenage years. By bringing girls into the workplace, the founders aimed to prove that being "smart" was a point of pride and that women belonged in every professional sphere, from the boardroom to the operating room.

The first official event took place on April 22, 1993, and it was an immediate success. Millions of girls across the United States participated, and the program quickly became a staple of the American educational calendar. However, as the program matured, a dialogue began regarding the inclusion of all children.

In 2003, the program officially expanded its mission and its name to "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day." This change was prompted by feedback from educators and parents who noted that excluding boys sometimes created friction in the classroom and missed an opportunity to teach boys about the importance of gender equity in the workplace. By including boys, the program could show them that career success is not gendered and that domestic and professional roles are shared responsibilities.

Recently, the initiative has seen another evolution. Junior Achievement, a global non-profit focused on youth economic empowerment, assumed leadership of the program. They have begun rebranding and expanding the concept under the title "Take a Child to Work Day and Beyond." This shift ensures that the program reaches children who may not have a parent with a traditional office job or whose parents are unable to take them to work, emphasizing the role of mentors and community leaders in a child's professional development.

How People Participate

Participation in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is a collaborative effort involving parents, employers, and schools. While the experience varies from one workplace to another, the core objective remains the same: education through immersion.

For Parents and Mentors

Parents are the primary facilitators of the day. They typically coordinate with their employers to ensure that bringing a child to the office is permitted and safe. However, the program strongly encourages an "open door" policy. Employees are often encouraged to bring an underprivileged child from their community—someone who might not otherwise have the chance to see a professional environment. This ensures that the benefits of the day reach underserved populations and provide mentorship to those who need it most.

For Businesses and Organizations

Many American companies go beyond simply allowing children to sit at a desk. Large corporations and small businesses alike often organize structured programs. These might include: Guided Tours: Showing children the different departments, from manufacturing floors to executive suites. Interactive Workshops: Simple tasks or simulations that mimic the actual work being done. For example, a tech company might host a basic coding session, or a marketing firm might ask children to help "brand" a new snack. Q&A Panels: Allowing children to interview employees about their education, their daily challenges, and what they love about their jobs. Presentations: High-ranking officials often give age-appropriate talks about the company's mission and the importance of various roles.

For Schools

Schools play a vital role by treating the day as an excused educational absence. Many teachers provide "work logs" or journals for students to fill out during their day on the job. Upon returning to the classroom, students are often asked to give presentations or write essays about what they learned, effectively connecting their real-world experience back to their academic curriculum.

Traditions and Customs

While not a "holiday" in the traditional sense of parades or gift-giving, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day has developed its own set of customs over the decades.

1. The "Workplace Buddy" System: In many offices, children are paired with a "buddy" (often someone other than their parent) to get a broader view of the organization and to practice interacting with different types of professionals.
2. Commemorative Badges: It is a common tradition for companies to issue "Guest Employee" or "Junior Associate" ID badges. For a child, wearing an official-looking badge is a powerful symbol of belonging and importance.
3. The "Lunch and Learn": Many workplaces host a communal lunch where children can socialize with each other and meet different team members in an informal setting.
4. Hands-on Projects: Whether it's helping to sort mail, participating in a mock trial, or observing a scientific experiment, the tradition of "doing" rather than just "watching" is central to the day's success.

Educational Goals and Impact

The impact of this program is backed by significant data. Since its inception, at least 37 million people have participated across 3.5 million workplaces in the United States alone. The program has even gone global, with participation now recorded in 92 countries.

Promoting Gender Equity

By showing both girls and boys that all career paths are open to them, the program helps dismantle long-standing gender biases. It encourages girls to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields and encourages boys to value roles in education, healthcare, and the humanities.

Real-World Application

One of the primary complaints of students is that they don't see how their schoolwork applies to "real life." This day provides the answer. Seeing a civil engineer use geometry or a journalist use persuasive writing gives students a concrete reason to stay engaged in their studies.

Strengthening Community Ties

The program strengthens the bond between local businesses and the communities they serve. When a company opens its doors to local youth, it demonstrates a commitment to the future of the region and helps build a pipeline of future talent.

Is it a Public Holiday?

It is important to note that Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is not a public holiday in the United States. It is a non-profit educational program.

Government Offices: Federal, state, and local government offices remain open. However, many government agencies actively participate by inviting employees' children to visit. Schools: Schools remain open and operational. While they encourage participation and usually count the day as an "educational field trip" or "excused absence," they do not close for the day. Businesses: Private businesses remain open for regular hours. Participation is entirely voluntary and depends on the specific policy of the employer. Public Services: Post offices, banks, and public transportation operate on their normal weekday schedules.

Because it is a regular working day, the "celebration" happens within the flow of the standard American work week. It is a day of heightened activity and energy in the workplace, but it does not involve a day off for the adult workforce.

Conclusion

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is a uniquely American tradition that celebrates the potential of our youth. By transforming the workplace into a classroom for one day every April, we invest in the dreams and ambitions of millions of children. Whether it is happening in a high-rise in New York City, a farm in the Midwest, or a tech hub in Silicon Valley, the message remains the same: the future belongs to those who can envision themselves in it. As we look forward to April 23, 2026, we continue the legacy of Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation, ensuring that every child knows their value, their potential, and the vast array of possibilities that await them in the world of work.