How to Survive a Snow Day

A snow day! The decision is handed down, classes are cancelled, you face a day without child care for your kids and, baby, it’s cold outside. For those who live where a snow day is rare, and a survival plan not in place, it can be a test of your parental patience as your children celebrate and you brood over how to get work done, enforce snow safety and keep warm, all at the same time. Don’t be a downer—follow these steps to learn how to survive a snow day, and even smile.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cocoa
• Cell phones
• Winter clothing
• Laptop computer
• Games
• Sleds
• Good neighbors
• Cookies for eyes
• Puzzles
• Carrots for noses

1. Be happy for your kids. A snow day is a meteorological miracle that can create memories to last a lifetime. You don’t want those memories to include a scowling mom or passive-aggressive pop. Make your first response a happy one before diving into practical details.
2. Deal with work issues out of earshot—call in “sick,” see if meetings are cancelled and work from home if possible. Some small businesses and government offices may be closed if schools are shut.
3. Drag out the winter gear so the snow day can be about playing outside. Save movies and video games for when they’ve had their fill of snow.
4. Go over the rules. Snow can be dangerous or wonderful. Supervision is key.
5. Get out there and play. Shock your children with your enthusiasm. Build a snowman, start a snowball fight, break out the sleds (or get innovative with trashcan lids or plastic garbage bags), take the dog out to enjoy the snow or lie down and make an angel.
6. Suspend your strict adherence to healthy eating guidelines. Snow days are traditionally filled with hot cocoa, popcorn, potato chips and brownies—or maybe that’s just my house. Check out the cupboards for yummy treats to make while the kids play.
7. Whistle while you work. Taking on a festive mood will help you survive the never-ending task of dressing and undressing small kids, mopping up wet puddles and fixing twisted mittens. For parents with preteens or teens, a snow day can mean a steady stream of kids coming in and out to use the bathroom and stock up on calories, earning you emotional bank account deposits with your kids to ease you over grouchy days.
8. Position yourself with work you can do from home where you can see the kids out the window. Keeping one eye on the kids while working can give you the peace of mind to actually get work done.
9. Give up attempting productivity as cabin fever sets in. Put on a video, take a bath or play with the kids. Everyone else is at home doing the same thing.

Tips & Warnings

• Before considering a sitter if you must go to work, call around your parenting network to find an available at-home parent who can provide supervision and playmates during the snow day. Give the at-home parent extra dollars to pay for snacks and entertainment (or provide some from your stash), so your kids can have a great snow day without the other parent having to provide everything.
• Consider moving your desktop if the snow will last for days. If a snowbound family is in your future, it might be worth it to move a computer or other accouterments to keep your peace of mind, and a view of your kids out the window.
• When you can’t move your desktop, use a cell phone to keep in touch. Call your kids periodically to check on snowman progress, the number of kids gathering on the street and safety.
• When you can’t see your kids, call a neighbor to keep watch. Many people end up at home during a snow day and enjoy the sight of children at play. Getting the village involved in watching the kids helps bring neighbors together, and ensures more eyes watching out for trouble.
• Tire out both small children and large ones early in the snow day, going outside to play with them if necessary. A tired child can be plopped down in front of the television so you can get something done.
• When the weather outside is frightful, encourage indoor activities that generally don’t rise to the top of the attraction list. Board games, art projects and puzzles are perfect for snow days, when long stretches of open time are suddenly available without prior plans.
• Bribe the kids for good behavior. If you will go mad mopping up another puddle, make sure you don’t have to. Pay top dollar for a tidy pile of snow gear, a dry floor and uninterrupted work time. Add bonuses for a clean kitchen, a vacuumed floor and spotless pet cages.
• Don’t get fired, but don’t kill yourself either. Pay attention to driving safety before taking to the roads. Your employer doesn’t want you to crash either. Make sure you have chains, warm blankets, flares, a well-charged cell phone and a flashlight.
• Don’t send the kids outside if their extremities will freeze or if they don't have adequate gear.