How to survive a snow day when you are a work at home parent

See the happy no school day kid

This is my kids second snow day in a row.  I don't know if it is the snow and my animal instinct to wait out the storm or the kids yelling and interrupting but all I want to do is curl up in something warm (like my bed).  Alas, when you work from home it makes it that much easier to do so.  I set up a few rules to get me through the day.

Don't expect to get a full day's work done:  As much as you may be able to keep the kids busy, they will interrupt.   The more you accept this, the less yelling in the house :)  If you end up getting a full day's work in - BONUS! Woot Woot!

Sent kid out with camera. I got to enjoy her art work that evening.

Consider rescheduling any important calls:  If you have young ones, this is particularly important since they will most likely interrupt you.  I am lucky that my teens have some self control.

Start the kids on a game, then walk away:  Someone gave me this advice many years ago and it is the sweetest advice I got.  My youngest used to want to play with me all the time.  If you start playing with them for 10 minutes, they get into the game and you can walk away.  Most times my daughter didn't even notice.  I think of it this way, when I think of a project I need to start, I find it daunting.  I need to pump myself up to get myself motivated.  I think it's similar, they need that hand-holding to get started but once they get started they can do it on their own.  Puzzles, coloring books and imaginative play are great for this.

Have a tiny to-do list, you know you can get done:  I made a list this morning of steps, I know I can get done.  It's not a very big list but I make one of what everything, it would be too daunting and I may give up.  Yes, I need to give myself tricks to get going.

Use the spouse, if your spouse is home, take shifts entertaining the kids.

Send them out to play:  If they are old enough, go for it.  It's snowing - I'm sure they can find something to do.   Here's some suggestions if they are struggling with ideas, eat icicles (clean ones, of course), build a snowman or snow fort, sledding, take the dog for a walk to see how tall the snow drifts are, make snow angels, text your friends and organize a community snowball fight.

Lastly, have some fun:  If you can, have some fun with

.  Take an hour or two to go sledding or to bake cookies (because this is baking weather).  Make homemade hot chocolate. Create the memories.

Love to hear your tips for a snow day.