Snow. For those of us who live in the northern states, this can be a beautiful time of year. The snow blankets the grass, glistens in the sun, and tree branches droop heavily under the weight of the pretty white stuff.
Of course, with snow comes the occasional snow day - celebrated by northern children everywhere. With errands planned and lunch dates made – or, the boss waiting in the corner office – what do we do with snow days? Most working moms have some sort of back-up plan, if only because this has happened before. You won’t get through a winter up here without having school called off for at least one day. For the moms who stay home (whether it’s because we do or because that is our back-up plan) snow days can be fun, disastrous, or some of both.
Here’s how to make the best of it:
- Acceptance is key. Realize from the get-go that your day as you initially planned it is over. O-V-E-R.
- Come up with Plan B. Letting the day dissolve into a mess of unplanned “fun” is a slippery slope. What seems like a good idea at 8AM, will guarantee ringside seats to the slugfest that will happen at approximately 10:42AM. Make a plan.
- Be prepared to deviate from your great Plan B. The important thing is to have a general idea of the day will look like: sledding, snowman building, hot cocoa, TV time, book time, snacks, etc. But if you’re kids are totally into sledding, you’d be nuts to stop the fun in order to move the Plan forward. Let them play but use your super-powers to anticipate when fun is about to deteriorate into mayhem. Then announce the switch.
- Forget about broccoli today. Snow days call for a little relaxation....and if you are the Rule Enforcer all day long, you will not be relaxed. Bring out the Oreos and kick back.
- Go a little crazy. Try to think of something your kids will enjoy that’s not on your usual docket. Jump in the sled with them, rather than watching. Invite friends over for an inside picnic, complete with ice cream. Have storytime in sleeping bags. Whatever floats your boat. A change of pace will do you all some good when you’re stuck at home for eight or more hours!
- Imagine life 15 years from now. Staying home for a snow day can feel overwhelming – everyone needs you, all day long. But in fifteen years, we’ll be lucky if our kids need us at all. We’ll have plenty of personal time then. And if we’re really lucky, our kids might even admit that they still need us just a little.
Enjoy the snow! -Kirsetin
P.S. Yes, that is my 12-year old lab, Tucker, enjoying our most recent snow day.
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