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As a general rule; no, parents should not bring their children to work. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule and there are exceptions to this rule also; but, those exceptions are very few.

I was a working mother and I know how expensive daycare is and the scheduling nightmares it can cause. Believe me, I do understand and I do sympathize. But, the workplace is not the place to bring small children. Older children who are well-behaved may come to some workplaces for an hour or two after school; but even that should only be done occasionally.

Bringing your child to work is bad for both the company you work for and your child's well-being. I will list some of the reasons why it is a very bad idea.

1) Safety - this is the biggest reason. It is not safe to have small children in many workplaces. No child-proofing has been done in the average workplace - there are open electrical sockets, sharp corners, cleaning products, file drawers that can pinch, etc. Do you honestly believe it is safe to take a child into even an office workplace safely? How about a construction site, a warehouse, a medical office or hospital, a laboratory, a restaurant kitchen, a taxi cab, etc.? These are not safe places for children and if you are working you cannot keep an eye on them all the time. You also cannot impose on coworkers and expect them to watch your child for you; they have their own jobs that need to be done.

Children in the workplace also create additional safety hazards. Toys end up in places they should not be and people trip and/or fall over them. Children make loud unexpected noises that can distract workers from their job and cause the worker to make mistakes that can cause serious injuries.

The workplace is not a safe place when children are there.

2) Appearances - having children in the workplace does not project a professional image unless you are running a daycare facility or a school. You may not care about that fact; but, customers do care about dealing with companies that are professional and many of them will take their business elsewhere.

3) Productivity - when children are in the workplace, productivity drops. The parent is not concentrating on their duties if they have to keep an eye on their child to make sure the child is not misbehaving and is safe. Children cause distractions to other workers even when they are behaving themselves. When the child is cranky and/or throwing a tantrum, all work stops.

4) Child's Development - children need to be around other children their own age and have age appropriate activities. Little children need room to be active and run around making noise. They need games and activities that will teach them and provide exercise. They will not get this in a working environment without causing problems or getting injured.

I know how hard it can be to trust someone else with your child's well-being while you work. If it is possible, having a family member or neighbor care for your small child is a good option. You already know them and they know you and your child. They are more likely to be flexible when your work schedule needs that flexibility.

But, even day care centers and preschools can be good options for childcare and your child will be with other children their own age and learning valuable social skills; as well as, the basics they will need when they are old enough to start school. Once they are in school, there are many excellent after school programs that will keep them safe until you are able to pick them up after work.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Kazay.
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