"It is a great public service, and it helps children understand what their parents do in order to make their lives better," said Brown.
The Ms. Foundation for Women created the day in 1993 to expose girls and boys to what their parents or guardians do during the work day. Circuit Court Administrator Robin Jones brought her grandson to work Thursday.
"It gives us an opportunity to be together and for him to see what i do," said Jones.
Take your child to work day is observed the fourth Thursday in April. Several local school districts advised parents not to participate in the program because they believe it should not take place on a school day.
"Because we believe attendance is important, students who are not in class that day will be marked absent. If a parent calls to excuse their child, the student will be able to make up missed assignments and tests," Melea Smith of Naperville School District 203 said.
Cook County Circuit Court Human Resource Worker Russell Ermon said he believes take your child to work day is beneficial.
"This is an opportunity for me to explain and display the things that I teach my children when I go home about service and work," said Ermon.
In the circuit court boardroom, children learned about self esteem and presentation.
"It is fun - we get to tell people what we want to be when we grow up," said Ermon's daughter, Evonne.
The aim of Take your Child to Work Day is not companionship, but rather providing a one-day professional mentoring experience for children, showing them career options and building self-esteem.
Children at the circuit court appeared to enjoy a workshop offered there regarding self-esteem.
