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Last year my preschooler came home with an assignment for me: to write a description of what I do each day. Her class was learning about "community helpers" and talking about the grown-up jobs they might have one day. I dutifully filled the page with my jobs: accountant, caretaker for my children, meal planner and cook (I use that term loosely), school and church volunteer and, of course, family activities coordinator!

On our way to school the next day, she asked me what I wrote. I read the list to her and she sadly replied, "I was hoping you would write about your jobs as a photographer and singer." These are my hobbies. I have to agree that they are more interesting than most of my jobs, but just as I was about to explain the difference between jobs and hobbies, she asked a very insightful and thought-provoking question, "Mom, did you always want to be just an accountant and mom?"

I wanted to cry, but laughed instead. What little 5-year-old dreams of tax returns, computers, and carpool? When I was young I wanted to be on Broadway or Miss America; in my teen years my dreams changed to stockbroker and foster care provider. As I explained my career path to little Miss Know It All, I had a chance to tell her that in my late 20s, something amazing happened: I held my first child. For some unexplainable reason after that moment and many similar moments that continue to happen, I decided there were lots of people who could fill my shoes as tax manager or in the church choir, but for the next several years, I was the only one who could be mom to my children. We talked about how as she and her sisters get older I will do more with both my hobbies and career, but that for now, I love what I do and it is pretty important.

I wanted to share this story because April 24 was Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day . It is surprising that we need a national holiday to remind us that our children need to know what we do, but I would encourage everyone to try to take your children to work, only if for a few hours, this summer and share your job with a very interested person.

I spent many summer days in my father's college classroom learning about astronomy and at my mother's beauty shop lending a helping hand. I learned not only about their jobs during this time, but that my "reserved" father is a very good lecturer -- and smart! I learned that my mother can do much more that fix hair; she is an awesome listener and has a very big heart. Who knows, you might end up like me, explaining why you do what you do and learning a little about yourself.