A New Generation Reports to Work

More than 40 children reported for work with their parents at on Thursday in celebration of the national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Students ranging in ages from 8 to 17 arrived to work with their parents and then were treated to an entire day of coordinated activities supervised by members of the hospital's human resources staff.

After the children checked in, the group discussed this year’s theme, which was “invent the future,” according to Toni Mathis, executive assistant for human resources. The children discussed their interests and possible future careers.

Morning activities included a trip to the cardiopulmonary physical therapy gym.

“The children were able to see how physical therapy improves the life of patients who have had heart attacks and strokes,” Mathis said. “Cardiac rehabilitation is an exercise and education program that helps patients return to their maximum physical, mental and social well-being."

Fifth-grader Lido Samman said he liked what he saw.

“They have a car simulator and stairs so people can practice their moves,” he said. "It was very interesting.”

A fire safety presentation was presented to the group where precautions to take in case of fire were discussed. A video about the importance of hand washing also was shown along with a germ light demonstration.

The children enjoyed craft activities before the lunch break, which included pizza, pop, water and cookies. All the children created posters to hang on a mural, which will be displayed in the hospital cafeteria for the next two weeks. After that, parents can take their child's poster home.

Each child received a Henry Ford Health Care System backpack with a personal hand sanitizer and coloring book. Each also was personally thanked during a group presentation, where everyone received a certificate of participation.

"We were extremely glad so many employees and their children participated in the program," said Diane Smith, human resources associate.

The weather canceled an afternoon tour of a helicopter that was to land on the hospital's helipad. A real-life emergency also diverted an ambulance from stopping by for the children to tour.

The “Take Our Daughters to Work” program was launched by the Ms. Foundation for Women in 1993. The program encouraged employees in the United States to invite young girls to spend the day with the employee at his or her workplace, with the aim of improving self-esteem and exposing girls to various career opportunities. The program was expanded to include boys in 2003.