Bring your kids to work

Have you been listening to Emma Grede's new podcast, Aspire? She's tenacious and straight talking - I recommend it. 

As one of the richest self-made women in the world, she's got a fair amount of wisdom to share when it comes to building businesses and nurturing talented teams. 

Her recent episode with Karli Kloss included a really interesting conversation about "the juggle" between being a mother and being a corporate leader. 

Emma shared that she tries to find opportunities to bring her two eldest children into her office, so they can understand the other parts of mummy's life. She believes children (when old enough) benefit from seeing the important roles that their parents play for others, outside of the family unit. 

I remember so vividly being able to go to my dad's office once, with my younger sister, on a 'bring your kids to work' type day. The highlight was using his whiteboard and spinning on his chair. Perhaps you have a similar memory with one/both of your folks?

Reflecting on Emma's point, I realised that my parents' jobs were largely a mystery to me growing up. This isn't throwing shade on them in any way - it was the 90's! Maybe that was intentional to protect their own boundaries, but I can really understand why it's helpful for children to get an insight into the 'whole' identity of their caregivers. 

My Dad used to leave for the office super early. Sometimes I'd watch him get ready and it always felt important, but also very sad. I wonder if that would have changed, had I had a clearer understanding of what happened when he went to "work" and why it was a hugely positive part of his identity? 

Lots of you reading this are raising families, or beginning to embark on your conception journey.

Will you be finding ways to bring your kids into your workplace, or perhaps show them what you've achieved on a particular project? 

Or do you think it's healthier to keep the boundaries between the two worlds separate?

I'd love to hear your views. 

NB xx

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