Planning for the Unplanned Snow Day

Does your child have a hard time when the schedule changes last minute?  Heck do you struggle when your schedule now includes finding childcare or working from home while your children have a pseudo vacation day?  

Planning for a random snow day doesn't have to be torture on all of you.  I like to have a few special treats set aside for snow days that are a) not a lot of extra work for me and b) something the kids can look forward to and start the day knowing what the schedule may be.  

If your kid needs a set schedule for the whole day, come up with something that can be used multiple times and each snow day.  If your child is ok with an unscheduled day but needs some structure have a few tricks up your sleeve that only come out on a random day off.  

Here are some simple and realistic ideas:

1) Midday movies with popcorn and hot chocolate

2) Watercolor paints (my favorite because they are super easy to clean)

3) A special puzzle 

4) Pancake breakfast with snow (powdered sugar) on top

5) Build things out of marshmallows and tooth picks 

Of course there is also the outdoor activities...

These are just some ideas you can set aside.  Think first, what does my child need (structure, rest, a packed schedule, a more relaxed schedule, or just options).  Go ahead and start getting your plan ready now so when the snow day does come you are prepared to make it the kind of day that won't throw your kiddo off track.  

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