✨ Hey {{First Name|there}}!
Snow days feel magical—and chaotic—at the same time.
Schedules disappear. Energy spikes. Cabin fever sneaks in before noon.
From an OT perspective, snow days are actually packed with opportunity.
Cold air, heavy clothing, slippery ground, quieted sounds, cozy resets—this is a full sensory experience waiting to be used on purpose.
Today we’re breaking down how to make a snow day work for your child’s nervous system, not against it.
🧠 Why Snow Days Are Powerful (OT Lens)
The first snow day of the year, I bundled my little one into what felt like seventeen layers. By the time we got outside, he took three wobbly steps, sat straight down in the snow, and just… stared.
No running.
No snow angels.
Just quiet observation.
A few minutes later, he started scooping snow with his mitten, watching it fall, over and over again.
That moment reminded me: snow slows the world down.
And for kids, that sensory shift can be incredibly grounding.
Snow days naturally deliver several types of sensory input kids crave:
❄️ Proprioception (Heavy Work)
Snow pants, boots, shoveling, pushing sleds—all provide deep input that calms the nervous system.
⚖️ Vestibular Input
Walking on uneven, slippery surfaces challenges balance and builds body awareness.
🌬️ Auditory Regulation
Snow dampens sound. Quieter environments help sensitive nervous systems settle.
✋ Tactile Exploration
Cold, wet, crunchy textures give rich sensory feedback.
❤️ Co-Regulation
Slowing down together helps kids reset emotionally during routine disruptions.
🛠️ OT-Approved Snow Day Activities
Outside (Short Bursts Count!)
☃️ Snow Scooping or Shoveling
Even toddlers can scoop snow into a bucket. Heavy work = calm bodies.
🛷 Sled Pushes
Pushing the sled back up the hill works harder than the ride down.
🐾 Animal Walks in the Snow
Bear walk, penguin waddle, or giant steps to build strength and coordination.
❄️ Snow Transfer Play
Move snow from one container to another—motor planning + focus.
Inside (When It’s Too Cold—or You’re Done)
🏠 Snow Bin Sensory Play
Bring a bowl of snow inside. Add spoons, cups, or small toys.
🧦 Layer Peel-Off Game
Taking off snow gear builds fine motor skills and body awareness.
🧱 Pillow Obstacle Course
Climbing, crawling, pushing—great for regulation when outdoor time ends.
📖 Post-Snow Cozy Reset
Warm drink, book, or snuggle time to help bodies transition back inside.
⏱️ A Simple Snow Day Rhythm
Instead of filling the day, anchor it:
1️⃣ Movement burst (outside or inside heavy work)
2️⃣ Warm-up/reset (snack, cuddle, book)
3️⃣ Free play
4️⃣ Repeat as needed
Short cycles prevent overstimulation and meltdowns.
💬 Last Week’s Parent Check-In Results
We asked how handwriting is showing up for your child right now. Here’s what you shared:
✏️ 34% — Gets tired quickly
Hands fatigue fast, posture collapses, and writing endurance is the biggest challenge.
🖐️ 22% — Presses very hard
Strong grip, heavy pressure, broken pencil tips, and sore hands after short tasks.
📝 18% — Avoids writing tasks
Resistance, frustration, or emotional shutdown before the pencil even hits the paper.
🌬️ 15% — Writes lightly / struggles with control
Inconsistent pressure, shaky lines, and difficulty keeping marks visible.
✅ 11% — Doing okay, just building consistency
Skills are there, but speed, endurance, and confidence are still developing.
A helpful OT reminder: handwriting struggles are rarely about motivation or effort. They’re usually about hand strength, sensory feedback, and postural stability—all things that can be supported with the right input.
💬 This Week’s Parent Check-In
How do snow days usually go at your house?
1️⃣ Full outdoor adventure
2️⃣ Short bursts outside + lots of inside play
3️⃣ Mostly inside—too cold or too chaotic
4️⃣ A mix of fun and meltdowns
5️⃣ Survival mode
👉 Reply with your number.
Next week, I’ll share the results—and OT tips based on what most families experience.
Wrapping Up for Today
Handwriting isn’t about pushing harder.
It’s about preparing the body.
When kids feel strong, regulated, and capable, writing becomes easier—and confidence follows.
Big high-five,
Eliana
