10 Ways to Survive Snow Days with Your Kids

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As part of the training one should be given before moving to Rural America, it is my firm belief someone somewhere should equip parents with the information they will need to survive a brutal winter.  Perhaps if they offered this kind of training maybe you would have a chance of survival when you find yourself snowed/iced into your home for days on end with bored, hungry kids.

With the promise of our first snow days approaching now is the perfect time to arm yourself with knowledge…and hot chocolate.  I have put together 10 ways you, too, can survive being snowed in with kids.

• Be Prepared. I know it sounds like such a gimmick, in fact I think it is the Boy Scouts motto, but it really is the number one key to survival. Don’t let snow days sneak up on you, watch the weather so you can be ready.
• Stock Up Now. Before the snow or winter weather hits be sure you have got your kids favorite snacks, lunches, plenty of hot chocolate.  Once you’re snowed in there will be little chance for restocking the shelves and you do not want to be stuck inside with children who say “I don’t like that.” to everything in your cabinets. Trust me.
• Do Your Research. Know what your children are learning in school and expand on it during their time home.  If you know there is a chance they could miss school, do a little research and have some coordinating activities they can do from home to reinforce their classroom learning. (PS: This is a good tip to follow, even when they are in school.)
• Get Crafty. Long hours trapped inside you home can sound like torture if you aren’t prepared with a list of crafts that can be done with supplies from your craft drawer.  All kids love crafts and they love them even more when you’re down on the floor (or at the table) with them.
• Go Outside. Yes, I know it’s cold…and possibly even wet,  but the best way  to wear your kids out is to let them enjoy the great outdoors for a while.  The fresh air and exercise will wear them out and have them ready for a nap or even better, bedtime a little earlier.
• Play. One word and it really is that simple. Dust off your old board games (even the ones the kids have outgrown) and play with your kids. There really isn’t anything as entertaining to your children as one on one time with their parents.  Add a little variety, change the rules a little, or play something you haven’t played in a while…just have fun.
• Surprise them. After the holidays is the best time to stock up on cheap games and books, but you can stock up on “snow toys” at a discount store for as little as $1 each.  If you have a little stash of new toys, crayons, coloring books (yes, I know they already have 100 coloring books), and books, then they next time you are in need of a distraction pronto you can pull something out and maybe buy yourself a couple of minutes of peace. Maybe.
• Be Realistic. I know it’s tempting to plan on getting some major housecleaning done or start a major project while you’ve got some time off from school and work, but trust me, do not do this to yourself.  Your house is not going to be “clean” when the kids are cooped up inside. You are not going to have the time to start and complete a major project or get any serious work done.  Accept this and move on.
• Relax. Take a deep breath. In fact, now might be a great time to practice that new yoga pose or mediation track you’ve been thinking about. The snow will melt, your kids will go back to school, and you will survive.  Feel free to give yourself time-out if you need to, nothing wrong with that…in fact, your kids might thank you for it.
• Hot Chocolate is Key. I don’t know if Ive mentioned this already, but it is so important to be well-stocked in hot chocolate. There is nothing better on a freezing day when snow is piled to your windows than a cup of hot chocolate.  Add some whipped cream for a real treat. Hot chocolate is perfect for those icing mornings when you just don’t want to roll out of bed, for times when you could swear your toes are going to drop right off from the cold, or when your sopping wet and totally frozen from playing outside. *Try some in your coffee for a great Cafe Mocha for much less than Starbucks charges.*

Being snowed in with your kids can be daunting and can make you feel a little like the lone ranger, but it can also be a chance for some memory making.  Relax and remember they’re only young once and eventually you are going to wish for a snow day just so you can see them for a little while. Take advantage of the time you have now to enjoy your children not just occupy them and you’ll never regret it.  When you are well prepared, a snow day is just another chance to get to know those amazing little creatures you call your kids.

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