![]() ![]() For instance, if he wanted to watch a movie, which you can bet he asked for the instant he awoke, he’d have to do something first. Movies would to be had, but were interchanged with play, chores and education. Planning for these days usually begins the night before when the snow is making its beautiful and peaceful dissent to the ground, promising to close school the next day. Sure, it was tempting to allow binging on movies only, but too many movies would inevitably bring about more torture for me later. Instead, as an adult with younger children (one with multiple diagnosis who thrives on routine…and movies), I found unexpected snow days to be the promise of torture and tantrums – or full on meltdowns. When my (now teen) children were younger, I hardly recalled the fun of snow days. ![]() It was a free day to catch up and do whatever my childish heart desired reading, sledding, throwing snowballs endlessly which would (for me) end up in freezing fingers needing swirls of mildly warm water to run over them to take away the pain of the cold. Watching a one-year-old may feel uneventful, but this is when you witness your child’s first steps! Depending on what time of day you hold this card and the age of your child, you may also be responsible for taking the lead on a number of other cards, such as “diapering and potty training,” “bedtime routine,” “meals” “transportation (kids),” and “tidying up.” (If you build a fort in your living room while you’re on “watch,” then it’s only fair that you break it down and tidy up before re-dealing this card to your spouse or other caregivers.Looking back, I remember snow days fondly as days when the world was wide open. Good news: It’s amazing what can happen when you put down your phone and really watch your kids. Older children need watching, too, like preventing your ten-year-old from spraying WD-40 all over the living room when he mistakes it for air freshener (true story), or walking by your teen’s bedroom door constantly to make sure it’s open while a “friend” is over. If you have a little one, then you know that having eyes on your child is endless at the baby/toddler stage. Identifying and evaluating child’s current emotional state/special needs- Doctor/professional appointments for diagnosis and follow up- Researching and interviewing specialists for treatment such as therapists, OT, PT, speech- Discussing issues/treatment plan with child's teacher (consulting with “teacher communication” cardholder)- Scheduling specialist appointments- Educating oneself, teachers, childcare helpers, other parents and child on issue/risks/special needs/ancillary issues like bullying (options may include: books, seminars, find support groups for you and your child or start a support group)OTHER THINGS TO NOTE IF CHILD HAS AN ALLERGY/FOOD SENSITIVITY):- Educating oneself and others on how best to read food labels- Scheduling meetings with teacher- Creating a notebook to have in classroom with info on what child can/can't eat- Pre-planning for birthday parties and other events that involve bringing own snacks- Calling before parties and restaurants to find out what will be served or what options there are- Researching safe restaurants/deliver menus for childcare helpers
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