No School Today!

You wake up, start getting breakfast ready, and you take a peek outside and notice that it snowed again. Your immediate reaction is to turn on the local news and start franticly searching to see if your school district was called off. As your sitting, sipping your coffee, eyes glued to the TV as each school is being listed one by one, your patiently waiting and praying the roads are not bad enough to have the kids stay home. All of a sudden, wham, there it is. Should you tell the kids? Maybe you should just keep it to yourself until the last minute, hoping you can play out what you were suppose to be doing with your day before this took place. You walk the room where your kids are already slaying their video games, open the door, and as they look at you with those big bright eyes, you cautiously tell them there is no school today for the roads are in horrible condition. Plug your ears here, the room is about to erupt in joyous words and screaming. So now what, surely most of what you had planned today will have to be postponed, you need to come up with a plan fast, to keep things under control. You could just let them stay in their rooms all day conquering that video game, but that wouldn't be good for their health. Here are some ideas for when they call off school.

1. Shoveling: Since it snowed, they will definitely be shoveling to do, who better to do it with than the very same kids that rejoiced school being closed due to the snow. Grab a couple sleds while your at it and have some fun! They will be back in school tomorrow anyhow. Have them shovel up a good size hill and you all can enjoy sledding on it. Another great idea is to have them go to the neighbors and help them get shoveled out. Not only will the neighbors appreciate it, but the kids will feel good about themselves and helping others.

2. Story telling: Come back inside to some hot cocoa and tell the kids stories of what you did when their was a snow day. Share with them your favorite moments in the snow and some of your not so favorite moments.

3. Baking: Baking is always an activity kids are interested in. Since it is cold outside, start baking, not only does it teach the kids some very valuable skills in life, but it will help keep the house nice and warm. Who doesn't like fresh baked goods on a snowy day?

4. Cleaning: I always take this opportunity to have the kids clean out their rooms. We have the whole day together, after we have some fun, we get busy on those rooms. They will appreciate coming home tomorrow from school to a clean room.

5. Reorganize: Since most of your errands were put off until tomorrow, why not have the kids sit down with you and have them help you reorganize your schedule. This is a great time to discuss with them any upcoming events of theirs that should be added to the schedule.

6. Snow Angels: Snow angels are not only fun for kids, they are a blast for adults. Make as many as you can, different sizes and shapes.

Remember you can always throw in, reading, board games, a movie and popcorn. Having the kids home will turn out to be a blast instead of a disaster. Schools don't usually call off classes unless necessary, be thankful your little ones are home safe with you instead of being out on snowy roads.