I grew up in Utah, where snow days were a rare treat, and during my time in Minnesota, the situation was much the same. Now, living in Western Oregon, it seems that even a light dusting of snow can lead to complete chaos and school closures. I understand the reasoning—this region simply isn’t equipped to handle winter weather. However, when schools shut down for multiple days, it feels like the world is about to end. Each time a snow day is announced, I find myself navigating through a series of emotional phases that mirror the Kübler-Ross model of grief, typically associated with those facing terminal illness. Here’s a breakdown of my experience.
Note: If you’re one of those parents who eagerly anticipates snow days and thrives on the disruption of routine, you might want to stop reading now. This piece isn’t meant for you. Spare us your positivity in the comments section; let us vent in peace.
1. Denial
The moment you receive the notification that classes are canceled, your first instinct is to dismiss it as a mistake. You hold onto the hope that you can still drop off the kids as usual. You check multiple sources, listen to the radio, and pray for clarity until the truth sinks in: your carefully laid plans have vanished in a puff of snow.
2. Anger
Once you break the news to your children and they erupt in joy, a wave of frustration washes over you. Now, not only is your day derailed, but you also have to take the kids shopping. If your workplace remains open, you might call in sick or attempt to bring them along, which doubles your work time as you try to manage emails and keep the kids quiet. You can’t speak as openly as you’d like, fearing the judgment of coworkers, leading you to bribe them with endless trips to the vending machine. Common thoughts during this phase include: “Why is this happening to me?” “This is so unfair!” and “I’m going to build an igloo in the backyard and escape!”
3. Bargaining
In this stage, you cling to any hope of regaining control. You might hand over a tablet, suggest a movie night with the BFG on Amazon Prime, or promise a mac and cheese dinner—all in the hopes of securing a few moments to catch up on work or tackle that never-ending laundry pile.
4. Depression
When you finally accept that productivity is out the window, and you’re spending the day yelling, “Shut the door! You’re letting the heat out!” while mopping up melted snow, you’ve hit the fourth stage. It’s a sinking feeling, and all you can think is, “What’s the point of even trying anymore?” (I usually hit this wall around noon, though some parents have more stamina.)
5. Acceptance
In this final stage, you come to terms with the reality of your snow day. Your plans are wrecked, and peace is a distant dream. Instead of fighting it, you venture outside to build a snowman with the kids, embracing the moment by saying, “It’s going to be alright. I can’t change this; I might as well enjoy it.”
While many families experience these emotional stages during a snow day, not everyone will go through all of them, nor will they occur in a specific order. However, by the end of a snow day—or several in a row—everyone is ready for a little solitude. After putting the kids to bed, you might find yourself looking up and praying for sunshine the next day.
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In summary, navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a snow day can be a challenge, but it’s all part of the parenting experience.