It is the morning of our fourth snow day in one week.
Sigh.
We all know this is what to expect in winter, but when it comes all at once it’s enough for parents to want to poke their eye out with a spork.
Yes, I said spork…a spoon and fork combo I always used to get in my lunch trays at school.
If you’re a working parent with no real daycare options, snow days can be hell on earth. I remember what it was like for my husband and I to juggle our daughter when I had to be at work at four in the morning in a foot of snow. Again, enough to poke my eyes out with a spork.
But, if you are lucky enough to have the day off too or work partially from home, I’m here to tell you, snow days don’t have to suck.
They can actually be enjoyable.
Here’s why:
Sleeping In
No fumbling around to finish packing lunches. No dumping half of a great cup of coffee down the drain. No brushing your daughter’s hair while she’s brushing her teeth because you need every second you can get before bolting out the door.
None of that.
You can sleep until you naturally wake up or one of your kids comes in your room and jumps on top of you. Whatever the case, you don’t need to rush. You can finish that cup of coffee. Heck, maybe you can have two!
The kids can play, watch TV, have breakfast, and get dressed (totally optional, jammies all day totally acceptable on snow days) when they want.
Not too shabby.
Arts & Crafts & Nails
Bring on the glue sticks and construction paper.
My kids and I are no Martha Stewart, but we haven’t met a craft set we didn’t like. We’ve glued and colored our way through two sets, as well as colored and painted until we ran out. Bring it on Mother Nature, we’ll just keep crafting.
Also, my girls love a good manicure. So, after we’ve washed off the glue and glitter, time for a little nail party!
Baking
Nothing says warm and cozy like some fresh baked goods. Although this does nothing for my never ending battle with my muffin top, it’s fun to bake with the kids. My kids love a good batch of brownies or cookies…or both…I do too!
Spic and Span
Snow days are great to get stuff done in the house. While the kids are busy playing, you can get that laundry done and maybe even folded.
I know, amazing.
If you’re really crazy, you may be able to get some vacuuming, dusting, or mopping in too.
I have to say, some parts of my house have never looked so clean.
It’s Showtime…Actually HBO
Okay, so we just upgraded to HBO for a trial period. Let me tell you, it couldn’t have come at a better time! Movies and snow days are like peas and carrots.
We’ve watched “Curious George”, “Rio 2”, and “Dumbo” to name a few. It’s nice to spend some quality time with the kids and just relax with a movie.
Be a Kid
Snow days are great for just playing around and being a kid. Whether you’re building a snow man or squeezing Barbie into a dress that should be a shirt, it’s fun to just play around with the kids. With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we sometimes forget how much fun this can be. Knowing you don’t have to run out to appointments or activities really means you can just have fun.
So do you still think snow days suck? I hope not.
When life gives you two feet of snow you don’t make a snow man…you make a snow family.