Kids At Workplace Is Unusual, But It Shouldn't Have To Be

A video of a child dressed as superman captured the world's attention after he cycled his way into the Chilean president's press conference. Dressed in a Superman onesie with a cape, helmet, and surgical mask, he continues riding around President Gabriel Boric on a blue bicycle for several minutes before he is eventually led away. All this while, Boric remains stoic through his speech even while the child circles the podium on a bicycle.

The video has amassed over three lakh likes, with many speculating that the incident might be staged. Some also commented on President's humble approach towards the child. However, all things aside, the video is certainly amusing and raises an appropriate question of do kids belong in the office? Are they a distraction for others? Are they a distraction for you?

Kids at workplace: It is unusual but it shouldn't have to be

A workplace is generally considered for grown-ups, or those close to adulthood. However, this can be tough for employees who have recently lunged into parenthood, and may be juggling multiple schedules in the family, hence have no choice but to sometimes bring a child in to work. It is often parents who are in most need of flexibility – single parents or those in low-wage jobs – who are least likely to have it.

Juggling entrepreneurial and parenthood duties will always be a tall task! But bringing kids to the office will not only nurture early values of professionalism but it can also evolve into a fun activity that both of you could look forward to.

Observe and adapt

My father owns a retail clothing store that stands right in the middle of the city's upscale commercial street. Our house is tucked behind the store, accessible through a narrow lane invisible to the public eye. My early childhood memories compromise of me sitting at the shop counter, negotiating with my father to let me handle the stock inventory. I loved working around the store, analysing customer preferences, and then tallying the day-to-day accounts with my grandfather by the end of a busy day. My interest slowed down the moment I step out for college and left my hometown, but the short work stint at my family shop taught me a lot about patience and hard work.

We hear this all the time that kids absorb and mimic what they see. If you expose children to a positive and vibrant workspace, they'll soak it up and learn so much from it. Through observational learning, they will pick up tips for working through conflicts. Of course, it’s important to keep your calm while problem-solving. But these observations will help them learn to communicate and collaborate effectively. Whether your business is leasing a small space or you own your own set of office, a young child can enhance the professionalism you're trying to create.

While not common, bringing children to work is a rising phenomenon and seemingly most visible in governance. Take New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, for example. Ardern made news for bringing her three-month-old to the UN General Assembly. Recognising her circumstances are different from the general public’s, she said, “If I can do one thing, and that is change the way we think about these things, then I will be pleased we have achieved something.” Likewise, Australian senator Larissa Waters was lauded for ">breastfeeding her baby while voting on a resolution in parliament.

There’s also the much-debated viral video of Professor Robert Kelly’s children bursting on to the scene of his BBC interview. The incident raised a variety of questions about why he didn’t address the presence of his children as well as arguments about the way his wife retrieved the children. Every working parent gets off-balance from time to time, especially when big deadlines are on the end or urgent matters require immediate responses.

In bringing this generation of children to workplace, we’re teaching them a valuable lesson about work-life balance, as well as the various identities we inhabit on a daily basis.

Suggested Reading: It Is Not Kids Who Sabotage Women’s Careers, Its Society

Views expressed by author's are their own