Why We Need to Bring Back ‘Bring Your Kid to Work Day’
Somewhere along the way, “Bring Your Kid to Work Day” faded from our calendars. Maybe it got lost in the shuffle of school schedules, sports practices, and a dozen other obligations. But I think it’s time we dust it off and bring it back—right here in Elko New Market.
Why? Because the future of our local workforce depends on it.
When kids don’t see what we do all day, they miss out on understanding how businesses work, what jobs exist, and how their community really operates. And in a small town, that knowledge matters. We need the next generation to know there are meaningful careers right here—not just “somewhere else.”
It’s Not Just for Parents
Don’t have kids? That’s no excuse. You’ve got nieces, nephews, grandkids, neighbors, youth group members. And if you truly don’t, team up with the school or a local youth program. Invite a student to shadow you for a morning. Show them the ropes.
The point isn’t to entertain them for a day—it’s to give them a real look at what you do and why it matters. Let them see the hard work, the problem-solving, the customer relationships, and yes, even the less glamorous parts.
Here’s Why It’s Worth the Effort
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Career Curiosity: Kids can’t dream about jobs they don’t know exist.
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Work Ethic: Seeing the effort behind a business builds respect for the people who run it.
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Community Connection: They learn how every role—big or small—keeps Elko New Market running.
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Retention: When kids understand the opportunities here, they’re more likely to stay or return after school.
Make It Simple, Make It Count
You don’t need a big production. Give them a task they can do safely. Show them how to greet a customer, ring up a sale, or organize supplies. Explain why it matters. Tell them your story—how you got started, what keeps you going, and what you’ve learned along the way.
Don’t Just Show—Ask
Showing kids what we do is only half the job. The other half is listening.
Take a few minutes during the day to ask them questions like:
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“What do you think you might want to do when you grow up?”
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“What would make you excited to come to work every day?”
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“What do you think makes a good boss?”
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“What do you look for in a workplace?”
These conversations do two things:
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They help kids start thinking about their futures in a more concrete way.
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They give us, as local business owners, insight into what the next generation values.
If we know what they want in a workplace—flexibility, respect, creativity, opportunities to learn—we can build businesses that attract and keep them down the road. And if they know we care about their ideas, they’ll be more likely to see a future for themselves here in Elko New Market.
Let’s Lead the Way
Imagine if we picked a day each year where Elko New Market businesses opened their doors to the next generation. Kids would walk away inspired. Business owners would build goodwill. And the community would get one step closer to securing a strong future workforce.
I’m challenging local business owners—big and small—to make this happen. Pick a day. Invite a kid. Show them what’s possible. Post a photo with #ENMFutureLeaders so we can share the pride.
The business world doesn’t pass itself on. We have to hand it over—knowledge, skills, and all. And the sooner we start, the better off we’ll all be.
Tasks that kids can do at businesses on Bring Your Kids to Work Day
