Delaware parents coping with latest snowstorm

The snow is beautiful, but it’s also a really big pain in the you know where and in my back from all of the shoveling.

As a first time mom, I’m learning how difficult it is to have to arrange childcare when daycare is closed because of yet another snowstorm that’s dropped, this time, almost a foot of snow in my New Castle County neighborhood.

I’m also dealing with the fear of possibly being trapped inside my house alone with my 17-month-old, who hates the snow (maybe it’s in the DNA) all… day… long, into tomorrow and through the weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I love my child, but let’s just say when I’m at work, more often than not, that’s the only ‘me’ time I get all day.

Curious about how other parents are coping, I reached out to working mom Terry Miller, who admits rearranging her work schedule can be a hassle at times, but them’s the breaks.

“I feel like you should know that when you sign up to be a working parent, there will be snow days, just as there will be sick days, and it just is what it is,” Miller said, who has two daughters, ages 9 and 4, and one on the way. 

Miller says when her children aren’t sledding and playing in the snow, they’re pretty good about entertaining themselves.

“It seems like all of the forgotten toys, blocks, dolls, puzzles and art supplies are rediscovered on snow days,” she said. “Of course there is TV time and iPad use, parents have to keep their sanity too!”

For stay-at-home mom Maureen Hill, when she hears snow in the forecast, “It’s definitely stressful because we are all stuck at home so kids get ‘rammy’ and you can’t get out to distractions,” she said. “It helps if it’s not too cold and you can get everyone outside.” Hill has three children, 6, 4 and 2. Fortunately, her husband was able to stay home today to help run interference and provide zone coverage.

I have learned snow days can be a good time to slow down, spend time with the family and take things in stride, but daycare better be open tomorrow!

Baking cupcakes to enjoy with hot chocolate and cooking a comforting crockpot meal come with the snow day territory for the Millers, but if schools are closed for another day, Miller says, “Two days in a row could start to feel like ‘The Shining,'” referencing the Stephen King novel. Need I say more?