I honestly think hurricane days are God’s way of telling us it is time to slow down and to really enjoy quality family time. Yes, I mean completely stopping the everyday hustle to work and school, the long list of things to do and errands, the extracurricular activities. It’s easy to complain that it is taking too long for the storm to pass, especially when your normal routine is thrown off, causing you to feel some kind of way or out of sorts and frustrated. I get it, I really do, but I think we all need to take a deep breath and count our blessings. Now is the time for reflection and gratitude. A few days off school and work gives you the gift of quality time together as a family. Let’s embrace this time we have together and make fond memories that you and the kids will remember forever. I have very fond memories of our hurricane days when I was a kid, and they will forever be special in my heart.
This is the time to organize the pile you never have time to finish going through (there’s something about cleaning when there is impending bad weather as if the hurricane doesn’t like a dirty home), the time to bring out board games, complete a scavenger hunt together as a family, or whatever your heart desires. Have the kids make a card for a grandparent or elderly neighbor. Encourage imagination and self-led activities, too. Give them an old sheet to build a fort under your desk or table.
Now is the time to drink another cup of coffee or tea or mommy juice, read a great book or magazine, and complete a self-care task while they are busy playing doctor or veterinarian. Weather permitting, let the kids play in the puddles and make mud pies. Now is the time to check on your neighbors. Hurricane days are a reminder to ENJOY and love and make memories with your children. Now is the time to focus on what we can be doing for others and not just the neverending me-me-me-me. Think about what you can do to help those who didn’t do so well in our own community and in the affected areas of the Abaco Islands and Bahamas.
Above else, make memories, express gratitude and help others however you can.
What’s your favorite at-home activity to do with the kids during bad-weather days?
