OK, look. I'm mainly writing this blog post so that I don't have to re-join the Monopoly game my kids started playing this morning. We took a break to eat lunch, but I'm secretly hoping they'll forget I'm even playing if I can just stay quiet enough.
This is our third snow day in two weeks, I think. Nevermind the fact that they had off on Monday for Presidents Day. I'm not complaining that they called school; it's snowing hard and is definitely dangerous. I'm just saying I need to get stuff done and can't do it with two kids lazing around the house all day.
To be fair, my kids aren't lazing, but they're not doing anything super productive either. I also need to have something else for them to do other than watch repeat episodes of Nailed It or Ninjago on Netflix. I'm starting to get a parenting complex.
So out of complete desperation, I've decided just now to implement a new snow day policy. Henceforth and for perpetuity of life in this household, participants in a snow day shall observe the following:
One hour dedicated to creativity. Creativity must be hands-on and cannot involve a screen (stop whining). Activities acceptable in the "creativity" category may include (but are not limited to): crafting, cooking (preferably something for a meal so I don't have to worry about it), building, painting, writing, etc. Also, you clean up your mess. I can't handle that stuff.
One hour dedicated to improving intelligence. This activity also may not involve a screen. Activities that make you smarter might include: reading a book, doing a crossword, playing a game that involves strategy. I will not be involved in this activity.
One hour spent moving. Go shovel the snow, take a walk, play outside, listen to music and dance. If the temperature is below zero, the sixty minutes do not need to be consecutive. And yes, getting in and out of snow pants can count as an aerobic activity...especially if you are over 30.
Two hours spent doing what you want. This can only happen AFTER two of the previous activities have been completed. If you want to rot your brain in front of a screen, now is the time to do it.
When all these activities are completed, I will feed you.
I know this doesn't add up to all the hours that they're at home, but it's the best I can do under the circumstances.
I have managed to trick my kids into starting with #1 right now. They're making some energy bites which requires almost no oversight from me. It's working pretty well because there is nothing else to eat in the house.
I'll let you know how it turns out. Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay sane.