School Snow Days with Kids
As the snowy, cold winter is well underway, many kids may discover their schools were
cancelled due to inclement weather. They may be thrilled to have this time away from a
structured environment of classes and schoolwork. Snow days can be long lasting memories for
kids and their parents, if they are planned out appropriately. Families can take this opportunity to
go sledding, play a game, or make hot chocolate. Here are some tips to make the most of a snow
day with your kids:
1. Bond With Your Child
2. Create a Fun Activity
When students have a day off from school, this is wonderful opportunity to bond with
them. It helps to get to know them better in a more relaxed environment without the
anxiety. Parents can learn a great deal about their children through playing games
because it helps them to open up more so than asking them a straight forward
question. Bonding can build a very strong relationship with a child because it helps
them to understand that they can come to their parents with any problems they may be
going through in their lives.
Another way to pass the time on a snow day is to create a fun activity inside or
outside. It is vital to get a kid’s input on something they would like to do because it
will make the day more enjoyable. Some examples could be sleight riding, building a
snowman, watching their favorite movie, or inviting their friends over. If kids want to
invite their friends over to play a game, it might be a good idea to select a game that
has team building skills in it. This can help kids learn how to work with others and
emerge as leaders.
3. Teach A Life Skill
Parents can use this time to teach a life skill that can last a lifetime such as how to
make a salad, how to follow directions when cooking, and how to clean the house.
When teaching a new skill to a kid, it is vital to have patience with them because it
may take several times for them to catch on. Practice makes perfect!! Some
other life skills can be how to manage money, how to show respect towards others,
and fill out a job application.
4. Catch-up On School Work
The last thing on most kid’s mind is to catch-up on homework or assignments.
However, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to finish work that maybe they didn’t
have the opportunity to do the night before. Families maintain very busy
schedules during the week! This can be a good time to get a jump start on future
projects such as a research paper, presentation, and prepare for a huge
test. Kids can use this time to get extra help maybe through tutoring, practicing math
and making flash cards for vocabulary words.
5. Enjoy The Day
The last thing to remember about snow days is to make sure families enjoy the day!
It is important to have a stress free day with no anxiety or tension because it can help
to build memories for parents and their kids. Parents may want to make a snow day
journal that has their family’s most valuable moments of that day through writing a
few words, including photos, as well as a list of things that were
accomplished. Snow days can be a time that helps parents reconnect with their kids
and building a solid relationship with them!
Have a wonderful Snow Day!!
Barron Whited, MS. ED
K-12 School Counselor Certified
College Admission Specialist
Bullying Preventation Specialist
School Leadership Specialist
