01/26/2026
❄️ Snow day at home? Before the meltdowns start… read this.
Snow days don’t have to turn into chaos, power struggles, or kids bouncing off the walls by 10am while you try to crank out some work.
Snow days can be regulating.
They can be connecting.
And they don’t require a color-coded schedule or Pinterest magic.
Here’s my Top 5 OT-approved ways to make a snow day work with your family’s nervous systems, not against them.
1- Start with movement + heavy work (this is non-negotiable)
Before screens. Before work. Before asking for anything.
Wall pushes, animal walks, shoveling, carrying laundry baskets—and short bursts of outside time (10–15 minutes is enough).
** Movement isn’t a reward. It’s the foundation. **
2 Name the day as different
Say it out loud: “Today is a different kind of day. Today is a snow day.”
** When expectations shift, stress drops. For everyone** .
3- Create one cozy shared space
Blankets, pillows, softer lighting. One spot to land.
** Regulation happens through environment long before behavior. **
4- Think rhythm, not schedule
Alternate movement → calm all day long.
Outside → movie.
Heavy work → snack. )Clean-up counts as heavy work.)
** Less micromanaging. More flow. More peace. **
5- End the day slow and connected
A cozy movie. Reading aloud. Sharing one favorite moment.
** How the day ends shapes how it’s remembered. **
Here’s the part I want parents to hear loud and clear-
Kids don’t remember perfect days.
They remember days where they felt safe, connected, and understood in their bodies.
Snow days aren’t interruptions.
They’re invitations to slow down, move more, and lean into connection.
(Save this for the next storm. You’ll thank yourself.)
I’m off to take my own advice now! Enjoy the day together.
