Weather Related School Delays and Cancellations

Living in Iowa, we deal with weather that changes from minute to minute. When the kids start school each fall, it is only a guessing game as to how many snow days they will have. I have been the working parent on those unexpected snowy mornings and it can be complete chaos if you are not prepared ahead of time. Even as a homemaker, having the change in schedule can be hard on everyone.

With bad weather passing through comes the possibility of those delays or cancellations.  While a two hour delay may sound like the better option, those days can actually be more confusing than a complete cancellation. Since we are having such lovely, snowy weather, I decided to throw together a few tips for any family to avoid complete chaos when snow days roll in.

If your family needs both parents working or if you are a single parent, snow days can turn your world upside down. If school is cancelled, usually so are the preschools and most public daycare facilities. If your job doesn't offer the flexibility to stay home when school is cancelled (most jobs don't), then it is of utmost importance that you have a back up plan. 

When I was working, I always arranged for at least two back up day care providers who would be available (open) on a snow day. It is best to do this at the beginning of the year because you could have difficulty finding availability if you wait until the last moment. Also, finding that daycare provider early allows you to introduce your kids so they have some time to adjust. Just having this in place will reduce stress on you and your kids. Everyone knows where they go when school is cancelled, delayed, or dismissed early. 

Being a homemaker with a snow day doesn't have the same issues as a working parent, but if the kids are stuck at home it could be trouble. Bored siblings equals fighting siblings and no one wants to deal with that. I call cancelled mornings our second Saturday of the week. We lounge all morning and then I try to have a structured time in the afternoon just to keep some schedule. We might do a science experiment or make a craft in the afternoon. Just something other than video games and computer all day long.