No one is talking about struggles in childcare leading to kids on shift too..

I want to shed light on a topic I have witnessed more than a few times and don’t know if many have really known what they are witnessing if they come across it. Childcare has been a long running issue in the United States but our working, strong willed, independent moms or dads are encountering a crisis. It’s deep reach is paralyzing a nation either by design or by default. Our sweet little men and young ladies are trading the playgrounds, fresh air and silly games for fast food restaurants and department stores, beauty salons and parking lots.

Can you recall a time when you have been to an establishment and have seen a child or kids sitting in the lobby area? Maybe situated in a tucked or open space of the parents workplace. Have you given it any thought? Did anything run through your mind when you saw it? Most may not really notice but trust me you are bound to now that I’ve brought it to your attention.

Tying this to business and personal conversation, how does management maneuver this issue in trying to balance the drive and desires of hard working individuals. Many are only trying to make a fair living? An area I enjoy and focus in is professionalism and presentation to businesses and non profits.

How do we create a dynamic of professionalism to the customer base if the presentation is shooting that business in the foot? How do we empower a workforce, is we don’t equip them with support to show up as their best self. The basic need of “ safety for their family ” is must be met?

What I want us to think about is although the working poor rate according to the Census Bureau hovers around 11.1%, in the US major conversations in each socioeconomic classes are deciding if “working” is worth the time, commute and daycare fees. When you look at the numbers it quite close that many across the board don’t have support systems to help with care.

Some service workers are taking advantage of the “manager or supervisor that’s compassionate enough to allow their well behaved children to sit off in the corner during their shift”.

I think back to the days of the latch key kid as I was one my self. I remember wearing my house key on a shoe lace around my neck so proudly at elementary school. It almost carried a level of elevation. Referring to my friends thinking how cool it must me to be home by yourself and do whatever you wanted until your parents got home. My afternoons many times included afternoon cartoons, a bowl of rice with cheese (don’t judge me) and a 2 liter of orange “pop”.

As a coach and consultant of presentation and professionalism , I am always scouting my surroundings. Taking witness on what a space or place could do better. Enhancing the return on investment is key. From the people, attitude, presence, first impressions, the list goes on. I always sigh when I see the the situation of kids in the work place. It makes me think “are those youth is developing a W2 mindset early”?

In the first instance, I was shopping in a Bigbox department store perusing the baby department looking for diaper items for a friend. My eyes shifted a young boy who may have been about 8 years old sitting in between the display area for strollers and baby mattresses. He was wedged with a small school bag as his mom the store worker was walking around the area folding clothes on the display tables.

As my eyes gazed over to the various diaper boxes, numerous conversations between mom and son took place. I could not help but wonder how long would he have to stay on shift today with his mom?

The next instance was a group of 3 kids spread across a corner bench table at a fast food chicken joint. I’ll guess the age ranges from 4–10 years old. The youngest had his little head on the table fast asleep in nap mode. The two other siblings were watching a youtube video. On the table were papers, pencils, a small bag and kid blanket in their booth. There must have been 5 workers behind the cashier counter that day. Anyone to be the parent to this bunch. “Were they pulling a 8 hr shift today I wondered.”

Is this inspiration to work harder if you are the child encountering this? Could this be a ceiling of where they may envision their abilities? In my mind this is always the next progression of how does it effect the child. Clearly, I know being a latch key was a piece in developing my drive, but also I am realistic as many factors shape who we become. We hope it creates those same fires for these youth.

I can’t wait to see how this new generation of Koala kids evolve. I think it would be interesting to see a story in the future on these particular groups of young people. Hopefully their stories of childhood and their parent’s determination rubs off for the better or maybe it becomes resentment. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

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