7 TIPS TO SURVIVE TAKING YOUR CHILD TO WORK FOR A DAY

 

Below are 7 tips from guest blogger, Kristen, from Travel Karma on how to survive taking your child to work for one day:

1. Prepare your child for the office environment the day before

The day prior and then again in the morning before arriving at the office explain to your child that they will have a fun day with lots of surprises at your workplace, but that lots of grown-ups work there and they will need to be quiet and stay at your desk for the day; wandering around or making any loud noises are not allowed.

2. Prepare your boss and colleagues

Ask your boss for permission before bringing your child, and assuming they say yes give your colleagues a heads up that you will need to bring your child to the office for the day. You may be surprised to find that someone will be happy to keep an eye on your child at their desk for part of the day.

3. Bring lots of snacks

Pack lots of separate snacks that you can dole out over the course of the day include some healthy fruit, cheese, crackers, veggies and one or two treats that they may not usually get at home. 

  4. Bring an activity pack such as the Travel Karma "Are We There Yet," jumbo pack.

   

This pack has lots of activities for kids packed into separate kits so your child can be kept entertained for longer playing the contents of each kit for an extended time. The pack includes board games, a coloring and activity book and many craft activities. It’s perfect for kids who are stuck in one place for a long time and was originally designed for using on long haul flights. Find the kits online at www.travelkarma.com

5. Take your child out to lunch for a change of scenery and some time to connect one on one

Taking your child to a restaurant close to the office will be a real treat for your child and will be a good chance to talk about how the day is going so far. You will have a unique opportunity to connect with your child and talk to them about your job, how you work with others, what happens in an office, and create a special memory for your child. My father used to take me to the office when I was a child and I really enjoyed having lunch with him on these special days.

6. Don’t feel guilty about using technology

Bring the tablet with some games and apps uploaded, this can be used later in the day if the child is getting tired or bored with sitting in one place it can be brought out as a reward to keep them going a little longer. 

7. Bribery can work wonders

Tell your child at the beginning of the day if they are very good all day they can have a treat on the way home. I took my daughter to the ice cream parlor close to the office on the way home and she loved it. I commented on how well behaved she was all day and she said ‘’Yes Mamma, I really wanted an ice cream at the end of the day, so I was very good!”.

Extra Pics from our day in the office

  

GUEST BLOGGER BIO:

Kristen, a mom, a teacher, and former expat, who taught in India for 6 years, is now a corporate education professional.  She started her own business; travel activity kits for kids. You can visit here website at: Travel Karma.