I know, it’s mid February, but in the Mid Atlantic region, anything goes weather wise. In fact, we are due for another round of snow this weekend. So here are some snow day hacks for busy working moms.
We’ve all been there. You have a big day at work. Perhaps, lots of meetings that can’t be rescheduled or maybe a schedule full of clients. Then you get the robocall: school is canceled. Of course it is! This is the one day you can’t afford it to be canceled. Although there is no making up for having the kids out of the house safely and in someone else’s care for the day, we do have some snow day hacks that can help.
Planned and Earned Screen Time
Most moms cringe at the thought of your kids staring at a screen all day. Nor are you up for a fight. The answer is to compromise but convince the kids they are actually getting a big reward. Let your kids earn a movie by playing quietly and independently for a period of time in the morning. For example, if you have a 9 am meeting, they have to go an hour without bothering you (so you can get through the meeting) and then they can have the movie after lunch. Congratulations, you just set up 3 hours of undisturbed time! They will be happy because they probably don’t typically watch a movie on a school day.
Clean Out The Craft Drawer
This may scare a neat freak, but it will keep little hands busy for hours. Bring out ALL your crafting stuff and let them have at it. Be sure to cover the area they are working with a tarp or an old tablecloth. You can even have them get a head start on upcoming birthday gifts. Crafting offers many benefits beyond expanding creativity. For young children, all the cutting and gluing helps with fine motor development. Sharing supplies helps build teamwork.
Take a Break Yourself
You may feel too overwhelmed to go play in the snow yourself. However, multiple studies show that taking breaks actually makes you more effective. Additionally, being outside in nature has myriad benefits. It calms the nervous system, improves attention, and makes one feel more connected to others. When’s the last time you made a snow angel? Playing in the snow with your kids is a wonderful way to bond with them and destress.
Restructure Your Day
Instead of trying to do all your work stuff as usual, do your housework/cooking. You can then use the time (weekend or evening) that you would normally use for laundry and meal prep for your actual work. Presumably, your spouse would be available then to watch the kids. The best part of this is that you can do the housework and cooking with the kids. Children love to help out. This snow day hack is also a bonding opportunity! It may not be nearly as efficient but it gets the job done. Furthermore, it starts teaching them how to do these things.
The Number One Snow Day Hack…..
Invite some neighborhood kids over. I am totally serious. You may be incredulous that I’m suggesting you bring more kids into the house when you are overwhelmed by trying to work and care for your own children. However, it is actually easier. Your kids will be busy playing with their friends so they will leave you alone! Additionally, you will be the hero of your friends. Community is Queen when it comes to parenting. I am always encouraging parents to make their own village. So, having other kids over is win-win for everyone. Your kids will be entertained, you will be able to work, and your friends will be grateful.
Snow days for working parents are definitely a challenge. However, relenting on planned screen time, making space for messy crafts, restructuring your day, and inviting friends over can help a lot.
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About the author: Sharon P. Fisher, PMHNP-BC is a working mom and founder of Nurture Well LLC, a boutique women’s mental health practice, in Towson, MD.