Snow days - Panic or Prepare?

Schools are closing due to the weather… kids will be home… with you…and they can't go outside… are you panicking???

DON'T PANIC!  all you need is a good plan. Here are some key things to remember and follow:

1. Be prepared for extra screen time/less desired activities – we all have our rules about screen time, which is great, but we don't get a snow day from work and need to keep on. Your child's brain will not rut because of a couple of extra hours, so as the Great Elsa sang: "Let it go…"

Be sure to communicate this anomaly to your kids; "Our rules about screen time are still valid, but since you do not have school, I will allow ___________ minutes/hours extra today. Only today. Tomorrow you are back to the normal schedule."

2. Be ready to spend time with the kids – look at your schedule ahead of time and see when you can close it off and have fun with the kids. Be sure to tell them you have _____ minutes/hours to play, and then you go back to work, and they do _______.

3. Make lists of 3 – 5 items that:

* Your kids can do independently; things they are able and know how to do without setting the house on fire. Introduce the list to them and ask if they want to add something to that.

* You can do with them – that way you do not have to spend time looking for something only to realize you need to get back to work.

4. Compliment your kids if they are on task and independent.

5. Think about your day tomorrow; try to imagine what that will look like, the possible pitfalls, and how you can proactively avoid them.

So, take a deep breath and ENJOY the snow day!