There’s something magical about winter—the way the snow blankets the world outside, muffling the chaos and inviting us to slow down. But if you’re a working mom like me, snow days often feel more like logistical nightmares than Hallmark moments. Between Zoom meetings, school closures, and the relentless “Mom, I’m bored,” winter can test even the most patient among us.
I live in upstate New York, and when the first snow of the season hits, my son is already by the window, watching with wide-eyed excitement. For him, it means snowmen and sledding. For me, it’s a mental checklist: Can I still get to work? Will daycare close? Do we have enough snacks?
Over the years, though, I’ve learned to lean into the season rather than dread it. I’ve collected a handful of winter family fun ideas that don’t just entertain my son but also nurture our bond—and even give me a breather. Here’s what I’ve discovered, along with some honest stories, hard-earned lessons, and real tips on balancing it all.
Embracing the Chaos: Making the Most of Snow Days
One snowy morning last winter, my boss emailed me about a project deadline while my son simultaneously spilled hot chocolate on my keyboard. I was frazzled. But instead of yelling, I laughed—because sometimes that’s all you can do.
From that moment on, I made a rule: If school’s closed due to snow, we have a mini family fun day—within reason, of course. Work doesn’t stop, but it helps to have a loose plan. Here are a few go-to activities that work for us:
- Indoor snowmen: No, not made of snow—made of cotton balls, buttons, and glue! It keeps little hands busy and the mess is minimal.
- Living room sled races: A laundry basket, a few pillows, and your hallway become the perfect indoor sled run.
- Snow baking: We make “snowball cookies” together. He loves rolling them, and I love sneaking in math lessons with measurements.
- Snow scavenger hunts: Bundle up and head outside for a quick search for pinecones, icicles, or even animal tracks.
The key is to have a few low-prep, high-impact ideas ready for the days when everything goes sideways.
Time Management: Finding the Rhythm in the Routine
Time management as a working mom in winter is like trying to shovel snow during a blizzard—you do your best and know you’ll have to do it again tomorrow.
One thing that saved my sanity was creating a “snow day routine.” It’s not rigid, but it gives my son predictability and helps me block time for work.
Here’s a sample winter snow day rhythm that works in our home:
- 7:00 AM – Wake up, breakfast, morning cuddles
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Independent play + mom’s focused work time
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Snow-themed activity or outside play
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Screen time or puzzles + more work
- 12:00 PM – Lunch together
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Quiet time/nap (aka power work time for me)
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Crafts or baking
- 5:00 PM onward – Dinner, family movie, bedtime routine
Of course, flexibility is key. Sometimes we throw the schedule out the window and build a blanket fort. But having a baseline rhythm means I’m not scrambling every time school closes.
Self-Care in the Middle of the Mayhem
Let me be honest: there was a point last winter when I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. I was overworked, overtired, and overwhelmed.
So I made a promise: even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, I will take care of me.
For me, winter self-care looks like:
- Lighting a candle and journaling for 5 minutes before bed
- Taking a hot shower after putting my son to sleep—sometimes with spa music playing (thank you, Spotify)
- Letting myself read a book just for fun
- Saying “no” to nonessential commitments without guilt
You cannot pour from an empty cup, and trust me, your family notices when you take time to refill it.
Overcoming Guilt: The Battle in Every Working Mom’s Heart
I used to feel guilty for everything—working when my son wanted to play, or playing when I had emails to answer. Snow days brought this guilt into sharp focus. I felt like I was failing at both motherhood and my career.
But I’ve learned that presence matters more than perfection. When I’m with my son, I try to really be with him. When I’m working, I focus fully. It’s not about doing everything at once; it’s about doing one thing at a time, with heart.
One mantra I say often is: “I am doing enough. I am enough.”
Sometimes, I even whisper it to my son when we’re snuggled under a blanket watching “Frozen” for the tenth time. Because we both need to believe it.
Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance (Even When the Kids Are Home)
This is the big one. Work-life balance feels like a unicorn on snowy days—but it’s not impossible. Here’s what’s helped me:
- Clear boundaries: I set “do not disturb” hours for focused work time, even if it’s just 45 minutes. My son knows a red sticky note on my laptop means “Mom’s working.”
- Tag team (when possible): If you have a partner, divide the day. My husband and I trade off “kid duty” in 2-hour blocks.
- Communicate with your team: I’ve found that most employers are understanding—especially if you’re honest and proactive. Let them know when your availability might change.
- Outsource when you can: Order groceries online. Use activity kits like KiwiCo. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or neighbors.
Most importantly, I’ve accepted that balance doesn’t mean equal time—it means intentional time. Some days are work-heavy, some days are family-focused. And that’s okay.
Mama, You’re Doing Just Fine
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from snowy seasons, it’s this: your kids don’t need perfection. They need your love, your laugh, and your willingness to meet them in the moment.
Winter can feel like a lot—especially when you’re trying to do it all. But in those quiet, cozy moments—the hot cocoa breaks, the messy craft tables, the giggles echoing from the living room—you’ll see the magic. Not just of snow, but of motherhood.
So give yourself grace. Laugh at the spilled cocoa. Dance in your pajamas. Let go of the guilt. And know that you’re already giving your family something priceless: your presence.
From one working mom to another—wrap yourself in a blanket, pour another cup of coffee, and remember: you’ve got this.