Taking Our Kids to Work

A favorite game that my husband and I play is wondering what our daughter, Alice, will be when she grows up. At 2 years old, she already has a dedicated love of soccer and art. Will she be the next Alex Morgan? A writer like her mama? Will she grow to love science like her dad? We have no idea, but the greatest gifts we can give her is exposure to as many ventures as possible and the belief in herself that she can be anything. That said, it was a dream to take her to work with me for an early celebration for Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, honored on April 23, and to meet with other working parents and children in the area.

The program, now in its 27th year, “encourages girls and boys across the country to dream without gender limitations and to think imaginatively about their family, work and community lives,” says Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Foundation. “Children learn that a family-friendly work environment is an employer and family issue and not just a woman’s issue. Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work helps girls and boys across the nation discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life.”

MORGAN & IZZY HURLEY, age 4

Dad’s Job: Marketing & Beverage Director, Mex 1, Sullivan’s Island

How does family play a role in your career?

I love the flexibility that my job provides, with the hours and the ability to be a little more autonomous. I can run home early to be there for ballet or to help cook dinner, those sorts of moments. I also love the fun events I get to take Izzy to. At our recent Snowboard Rail Jam, it was cool for her to see all the snow we brought in. And just to have her and my family be able to come to Mex 1 and enjoy the food and seeing the smile on her face when she eats something special.

What do you hope Izzy sees or learns from you as a successful working parent?

Balance is extremely important, as well as knowing your priorities in life. I hope she sees that. My priority is my family and the life of my family, so it’s always good to have a balance in life between family and work. My family is my rock. I want Izzy to see that you can enjoy your work and love what you do.

What do you love about bringing your daughter to work?

It’s fun because she’s finally at the good age where she listens and is inquisitive and wants to answer the questions and have fun with it. I think this is the stage that I’d freeze if I could.

Izzy, what do you love most about coming to visit Daddy at work?

I love the chips and cheese! And that I can hug Daddy all the time.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a doctor because they help people.

Nan & Will BUTLER, age 14

Mom’s Job: Owner, Skatell’s Manufacturing Jewelers

How does family play a role in your career?

I have such a large extended family that I have a lot of help allowing me time to work and be with family. I thoroughly enjoy my time with my children. My oldest daughter, Alexis, works with us when she is not in school and is such a pleasure to be with. I love giving her creative freedom. She helps us with social media, designing process, sales and customer service. Yes, owning my own business gives me flexibility, however, I still work a 40-plus-hour work week, so I’m not always able to attend school functions or sports events. But when I am given the opportunity, I certainly make an effort.

What do you hope Will and your other children learn from you as a successful working parent?

I hope Alexis, Emmie and Will see my hard work and will adopt the same work ethic. It’s very rewarding and at the end of the day, I always go home happy. When they were little, they used to always ask me, “What did you sell today, Mommy?” It was so cute to see their eyes get big and hear little giggles!

What do you love about bringing your children to work?

I love the fact that I can bring them to work and show them what I do and what a real “adult” job is like. I have always taught my children to live by the 10 commandments and the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. They see me interact with my customers and I hope they are getting a life lesson on this.

Will, what do you love most about coming to visit your mom at work?

I used to work here when I was 4. Pretty much, I enjoy tinkering with the wires that we have. I’m proud of my parents and everything they’ve accomplished.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A pilot. I fly private planes with my dad, and we’ve been flying since I was a year or two old. We’ve been to Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach. I love flying and would want to work for Boeing.

By Teri Errico Griffis