Tiny CEOs in training: What kids can teach us on Take Your Child to Work Day

In this Article:

• See your business through new eyes
• Let them help in their own way
• Build real life lessons (without a worksheet)
• Help them feel like part of the team
• Make it about the bigger picture
• A quick tip for the day
• Protect what you’re building—for them
• Frequently asked questions

Running a small business means juggling a lot. Managing clients, solving problems, handling paperwork, and keeping everything running smoothly. But once a year, there’s a chance to slow down and do something different.  

Every April, small business owners across the country can participate in what most people know as Take Your Child to Work Day. While that’s the name commonly used, the event was officially renamed Take a Child to Work Day to better reflect its inclusive mission and encourage participation by all children and families. The day falls on the fourth Thursday each April, small business owners get to swap out one of their many hats and hand it to someone with a much smaller head—a child.

Most people think the day is about kids learning what their parents and other adults do all day long. But what if we flipped that idea? What if your child ends up teaching you something instead? 🤔

See your business through new eyes

Kids don’t come into your workspace with a to-do list or a budget in mind. They bring questions, energy, and wild ideas. And believe it or not, that can be a good thing.

Let’s say your kid asks, “Why don’t you just sell that on TikTok?” Sure, it’s a simple question—but it could spark a marketing idea you hadn’t considered. Maybe they suggest offering colorful “kid versions” of your top-selling product or drawing a new label with crayon art for your next flyer. It might seem silly at first, but their ideas could open the door to a fresh look, a new audience, or even just a fun way to connect with customers.

Children naturally think outside the box. Their ideas may not always be practical, but they can lead you to new ways of thinking. That creative spark? It’s something every small business could use more of.

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Let them help in their own way

📌 Sponsored by Junior Achievement, the Take a Child to Work Day program reaches over 37 million youth, parents, educators, and employers annually in the U.S. That’s a lot of kids stepping into real-world workspaces. And while they’re not there to clock in for a full shift, there are plenty of ways they can pitch in.

Give them a mini task that feels important—like designing a pretend business card, choosing colors for a flyer, or “testing” your newest product or tool. Younger kids love hands-on involvement, while older ones might enjoy helping with something like editing a social media caption or seeing how online orders are fulfilled.

It’s a great way to build their confidence while showing them that work can be both meaningful and fun.

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Build real life lessons (without a worksheet)

📌 Take a Child to Work Day offers something classrooms can’t always provide – real world experiences that build life skills. According to research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, early, hands-on learning plays a big role in helping kids develop strong communication and social skills, especially when they interact with adults in everyday settings.

These skills are essential for any career path, but they’re especially important for entrepreneurs. Whether it’s pitching an idea, solving problems, or building relationships with customers, communication is at the heart of business ownership. Giving your child a peek behind the curtain now could help them feel more confident stepping into leadership roles down the road.

📌 And it’s not just wishful thinking—according to a 2023 Gallup poll, 40% of U.S. teens say they’re interested in starting their own business someday. Giving them this kind of early exposure is a simple, meaningful way to support that goal. Don’t miss our guide on important characteristics of entrepreneurs to see how many you and your child can check off the list.

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Help them feel like part of the team

One of the sweetest moments of Take A Child to Work Day is seeing your team interact with your child. It reminds everyone that behind the title of “owner,” you’re also a parent, a role model, and a human being.

Let your team share a little bit of what they do, too. It shows your child how people work together toward a common goal—and it helps your employees feel more connected to your business’s purpose. It can even boost morale by bringing some light-hearted energy into the day. We’ve got some ideas for other ways to boost morale, so check them out.

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Make it about the bigger picture

Whether you’re a landscaper, consultant, photographer, contractor, or other amazing professional, this day is a chance to show your child not just what you do—but why you do it. For many small business owners, it’s about more than just making money. It’s about freedom, purpose, and providing a better future.

Use this day to share that story with your child. Talk about the challenges, the rewards, and what you’ve learned along the way. Even if they don’t understand it all yet, they’ll remember that you took time to include them.

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A quick tip for the day

👉 Keep it light. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Snap photos, share a laugh, and create a memory. Even a short visit can make a big impact.

You’re building memories they’ll carry for a lifetime. And who knows? One day, they might look back and say, “That’s when I knew I wanted to do something like this.”

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Protect what you’re building—for them

💡✍️ Your business is more than a job. It’s part of your legacy. On a day like this, when your child gets a front-row seat to all your hard work, it’s a great reminder of why protecting what you’ve built is so important.

That’s where small business insurance comes in. It’s not just about covering equipment or inventory—it’s about creating security for the future you’re building for your family. Whether you work with your hands, behind a desk, or out in the field, the right coverage helps ensure your business can keep going strong.

For your child, or any kid you have shadowing you, Take A Child to Work Day is more than a fun memory—it’s a glimpse into the legacy you're creating.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there an official bring your kid to work day?

Take A Child to Work Day is an annual event on the fourth Thursday of April in the U.S., originating in 1993 to empower young girls and later including boys. It fosters family bonds and exposes children to various career paths and adult responsibilities. Small business owners can use this day to highlight their work environment and the benefits of their efforts, offering children insights into professional life.

When is take your child to work day?

Take A Child to Work Day, observed on the fourth Thursday of April in the U.S., started in 1993 to give children a look into their parents' professional lives and highlight various career opportunities. This year the day falls on April 24, 2025.  

What is the purpose of take your kids to work day?

Take A Child to Work Day connects the workplace, families, and future generations. This annual event lets children see and learn about the work their parents do and its importance. They observe and try tasks, understanding the dedication needed to run a business. The day highlights work-life balance by sharing professional life with children, fostering family support. It’s a teaching moment that may inspire future career interests.

Is bringing your kids to work day still a thing?

Originating in 1993, Take A Child to Work Day is still relevant today, allowing children to experience professional life firsthand, beyond traditional schooling. With remote work trends, the event has evolved to include virtual tours if in-person visits aren't possible. As companies emphasize employee well-being, this day highlights the link between work and personal life, promoting career understanding.

What do you do on bring your kid to work day?

Take A Child to Work Day gives kids a view into the professional world. Give kids a behind-the-scenes look at your business, whether it’s a home office, job site, or shop. Let them help with simple tasks like organizing tools, stamping thank you cards, or brainstorming ideas. Introduce them to any team members, walk them through how you serve customers, and explain how you make key decisions. There’s really no script for the day; you make it what you want it to be for the kids to experience what you do. Your presentation of your business could be the inspiration a child needs to pursue their own business aspirations in the future. 

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