Family Fun on Snow Day Is Good for Everyone

Two words that light up the face of a child and can instill panic in busy parents: SNOW DAY!  All across parts of the U.S., schools are closed due to snowy, icey weather. Remembering the joy that such a surprise can be for children, in our home school we always had the tradition of calling the first snow of the year a snow day; even if it was just a few flakes. The sudden gift of time just to play will always be welcomed by a child.

Parents, on the other hand, may need to  adjust their work schedule and then use their imagination to keep their children occupied and happy. Try to see this turn of events as the blessing it is: a time to build some family memories. Grocery stores always get busy just before a storm and steaming soups and hot chocolate are on the menu. Healthy, satisfying food choices are a great memory of their own.

If you have to get out, there are always worries especially if children must be transported. My son is flying home after a month traveling with his brother in Europe and even though they are both in their twenties, I have some apprehension about ice on the wings and the like. Fair weather travel is just easier on a mom.  Travel of any kind takes away from the delicious feeling of being snowed in and cut off from the normal day to day routine. Avoid it if you can.

If you are an owner of Exercising Values, use a snow day as you would a weekend day and plan on spending some extra quality time enjoying one of the character stories together and doing a more challenging exercise day together. Take advantage of this time to break your routine and de-stress. If you have a hill nearby, sledding is a geat family activity especially when you warm up together afterward with a warm bowl of chili or soup.. Unless you are intentionally watching something really special, try to keep the TV off today. Play a game, read together or just talk and the day will bring you closer together and stand out in your child's memory.

Some of you are enjoying different weather , I'm sure, but you can take a tip from the snow zones and take a break today or this weekend to spend some special time with your family. Worthwhile values are best installed during favorite childhood memories. Cold weather can be a great time post-holiday time to remember that the homeless and others still need our help.

Have fun, do good and enjoy your family today and every day. That snow man, snow ball fight and endless trips up the hill to sled will burn a lot of calories today, help you de-stress, make your children laugh and you'll know that time with your family is the good life and it's your life today.