Teach Kids the significance of Labor Day

On Monday, September 7, our nation celebrates Labor Day--a holiday honoring all American workers, present and past. Typically spent around the grill with neighbors and friends, Labor Day has become the unofficial symbol of the end of summertime fun, as well as a last chance getaway for families with school-aged children.

Before heading out for a day of family fun, take a minute to let your kids know the significance of the holiday. According to the Department of Labor, the first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882 in New York. Over the next few years, more and more states celebrated this "workingman's holiday" and, in 1894, Congress passed an act, signed by then President Grover Cleveland, decreeing it a national holiday celebrated on the first Monday of each September. Although the holiday was originally associated with Labor Unions, it is now the celebration of all workers.

Although San Jose and other local banks, schools, post offices and the likes are closed on Labor Day, chances are that at some point during the day you'll encounter someone at work. Turn this into a teaching opportunity and talk to your kids about the person's job--what are they doing, why are they doing it, do you think they like their job, what we do without this type of worker, why do they need to be at work on a "holiday", etc. If you spend the day at home, take a minute to let your kids view the Bay Bridge construction project so that you have a fun discussion about American workers. source>>>

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