HOW TO SURVIVE BRINGING YOUR CHILD TO THE OFFICE

Sometimes things happen and you have no choice but to bring your child to work, assuming you work in an office environment and not, say, construction.

The days of children being seen but not heard are over, if they indeed ever existed. Here are a few tips to help ensure an office visit turns out OK.

■ No one likes surprises, least of all your child and your boss. Speak to them both beforehand, discussing expectations, rules and an exit plan.

■ Bring lots of books, but if you have a pre-reader, think about how much time you’ll have to read One Fish Two Fish over and over. If ever there was a time and place for a screen, this might be it.

■ Find out if anyone else at the office is having the same problem. Arrange to sit your kids near each other and to share duties checking in on them.

■ Do not let kids mess with anyone else’s workspace. It’s fun to check out the pictures of Peter’s kids and the dinosaurs on Anne’s desk, but don’t touch.

■ Give your kid a job. They’ll be happier, at least for a few minutes, to be mirroring what you’re doing. Younger kids can jab away at a spare keyboard; older kids might be put to use filing or alphabetizing. Short assignments will help the day go by more quickly.

■ If they have a meltdown — and who doesn’t have an office meltdown now and again? — see Point 1 re: exit plan. Even if your family rules dictate not responding to tantrums, take it into the hallway, bathroom or outside as fast as possible. Your colleagues (especially the ones who aren’t parents) will appreciate it.

■ Stay calm. It’s not easy for the kid, either. Check in with them often.