Is it good or bad to take your kids to work with you?

Question

I work for my mother, in a hardware store in a really small town, my husband works out of state, and is only home once in awhile, and 2 of my kids are in school, and I have a 21/2 year old who comes to work with me everyday... So here is my point I only work from like 11am to 4pm sometimes longer, and I get people come in and say things like, you need to put him in day care he does not belong here, and comments like arent you a little young to be working here young man?
Ok first of all this store is not busy, second of all he loves being here he has plenty of food, drink, toys, everything, and I really love him being with me when I'm at work, Is it wrong? Should he be in daycare? Please send me your opinion.....And what are some things I can say back to them??

Answer 1

I think it's fine. Maybe even better than fine.

-and I've seen it before... example: my wife and I stop at a gas station once or twice a week, early in the morning on the way to work. The lady who owns the place has been bringing her daughter with her to the store for over a year.

The little girl is four and she works the register! She speaks well, & works the cash drawer. Her mom makes sure she counts the change right, but overall it's really impressive. My wife & I are always like, "That is so cool..." -we have a child in kindergarten, and this little girl would give him a run for his money! It's like a pre-K internship.

I think at any age life-experience is great... even at 2 1/2! So, good for you, not alot of kids get the chance to see how a store is run, even though he's little and may not know exactly whats up, he's still seeing it and taking it in.

Don't worry about what people say, people will always have their opinions and stupid comments. As long as you're doing what you know works for you, then at the end of the day, none of that matters.

Answer 2

It's a bad idea...sorry. In a hardward store, there are so many things he can get into and get hurt. You are at work and can not watch him every minute of the day. Also, if he is out in the store where customers are making comments to you and him, then I'd be worried about someone snatching him....happens everyday so don't think it couldn't happen to you. Like I said, you're working and cannot watch him every second. I think he should either be in daycare or with a babysitter at home. Children do not belong at work.

Answer 3

This is actually more acceptable in a small town. I live in one, as well, and know several people who take their kids to work with them. Only thing is, they don't take them every day. Occasionally taking him to work with you is ok, but every day is pushing it. It can make customers think you're not there for them, or worse, that you don't care about your child's safety because he's around things that can be dangerous for him.

But the option is yours. If his being there isn't hurting business, and your mother doesn't care, then do what you see fit. Just tell people who ask why he's not in daycare that you enjoy spending time with your son, and that's why he's there.

Answer 4

You can't possibly properly do your job while chasing after a 2 year old. I would personally be annoyed as a customer in your store.

As far as his well-being goes, I'm sure he would benefit more from the *safe* toys in a daycare instead of saws, nails, and hammers, as well as the social interaction that comes with it. It just doesn't seem right.

Answer 5

A child does not belong hanging around a place of business. They get bored and tend to get into things as well as get in the way of customers. Your son should be in a day care or pre school, where he can interact and play with children his age rather than wandering around in a hardware store.

Answer 6

maybe it would be better for your carrer if he was sent into daycare but make sure its a good one because there are some bad daycares out there ! and just tell the people that they need to get over it they wouldnt understand if they had kids this age just tell what you think its never wrong to express your self to your peers ! they are just trying to make you feel down because they are wanting children like you have but they know that they couldnt help that but you should do what you think is right for your kids its not somebody elses decision its yours !! : }

Answer 7

He needs to be in a daycare at least a couple of days a week. He needs to be around children his age so that he can learn proper social skills and communication skills with other children on his level.

Answer 8

Its a family owned business in a small town I can't believe anyone would say anything.
Way back when I was a kid my granny took me to work with them at a little produce market they owned. (part open air and part enclosed) Everyone knew me and my cousin and looked forward to every summer to see the girls swimming with the watermelons in the big cooler. Some of my best memories...I missed going up there.

Answer 9

I don't think it takes a brain surgeon to know that a 2 1/2 year old doesn't belong in a hardware store...That's an accident waiting to happen genius!

Answer 10

As Long as the kid is in a safe environment its all good. And ignore those people who say that. He's your son and you choose the best place for him to be at. Sometimes bad things happen at those day cares that's where some pick up bad habits and bad words if he doesn't bother you at work that's the best place for him to be. I wish I could bring my 2 yr old to work. A child will be safer with their parents at all times!