by Thomas Hobson
Child Life Director

This has been quite the year from snow in the Midsouth. If you’ve lived in the area for awhile, you grow accustomed to the once or twice a winter phenomenon. It’s a fun day that everyone goes out and plays in the snow, and it quickly melts, returning life back to normal. It’s been our routine, and we’ve grown to enjoy it.

However, this year is different. Even as I write this, snow is falling, and I’m sure there are lots of people who are not happy about it. I believe this should be our fourth snow day this year, and I’m almost certain the make is worn off.

Now, if you’re facing another possible snow day, the crew at your house may be tired of the snow. This translates into everyone sitting around inside and before too long, cabin fever (and/or fighting) sets in. We see something similar in the hospital with families that have been here for a while. The walls of their room start to close in around them and there’s only so much television that they can watch. That’s when Child Life Services comes in to lend a hand, and help to make the hospital a little more enjoyable.

In the same spirit, here are some suggestions to help living up your snow day:

• Force the family outside: Chances are that the magic of playing in the snow has worn off from the previous snow days. Now is your opportunity to change it up. How? Simply go out there with them and forget that you’re an adult. Throw snowballs, sled, catch snow flakes on your tongue. By joining in the fun it will make it new again.
• Have a family talent show: You may not think that your family has any talents, but that’s half of the fun. Send everyone to separate places and work out a talent, skill, or skit that they’ll show the rest of the group. Just remember that your excitement is the key to making the family talent show a success. If you don’t sound excited about it, neither will they. Besides, it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad because when everyone thinks back about it, it will be a fond memory.
• Give everyone quiet time: Giving everyone some breathing room will help to make the times together more enjoyable. So, if someone wants to read a book, play a video game, take a nap, or any other activity, let them do it. Remember that you’re going to need some downtime too.
• Bust out the games: I’m not talking about video games, it’s board games. Remember all of those games that are tucked back in a closet somewhere? Well, pull them out and let the fun happen. The enjoyment comes from playing the games and spending time. You’ll be surprised by just how much fun everyone has.