When the weather outside is frightful, and your kids’ behavior is less than delightful, all you want to do is escape to your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub. But, when parenting takes precedence, consider these practical yet unconventional tips for parenting your way through a snow day without losing your cool.

Start Strong

When winter weather forces you into close quarters, take advantage of the time together—and savor the slower pace. Make your kids’ favorite breakfast, from pancakes to omelets. And since no one has to rush to catch the bus or drop-off at daycare, sit down at the table to eat. Another advantage of a slow, snowy morning? Start your day with hot coffee or cocoa in a real mug, not a disposable to-go cup.

Make a Snow Day Strategy

The beauty of a snow day is freedom from the usual busy schedule, but the lack of structure could also make the day unravel. Timing doesn’t have to be precise, but block out an hour or so for baking, sledding, board or video game tournaments, snuggling on the couch for a movie, Pinterest projects, or whatever your family enjoys most when you have downtime. Ask the kids if they have any specific project requests or activity ideas. Be sure the plan includes quiet time for everyone (yourself included).

Do Something Different

Snow days are special because they only happen a few times a year. But since going outside to play usually only fills up about an hour of the day, surprise your kids with something different.

If they love helping in the kitchen, try a new recipe together. Do your kids have a flair for the dramatic? Initiate a skit contest or talent show. For something creative, make a Zen doodle station with sheets of printer paper, black Sharpies®, and colored pencils. Or break from the norm and have a luau dance party or eat a summer- or beach-themed snack.

Give Them Control

A parent’s Serenity now snow day moments usually happen when it feels like the kids have taken over: They’re wreaking havoc on your house, their behavior is out of control, and bedtime is still hours away. Solution? Flip the script and put them in charge: Assign age-appropriate chores (sorting, drying, folding, and putting away the snow gear, for example) to your kids and allow them to earn snow day time-and-a-half pay, be it a raise in their allowance or extra iPad time.

Wind Down and Warm Up

Kids complaining of sore, achy muscles from extreme sledding? Or are they bouncing off the walls from the hot cocoa and excitement of the day? Ease them into sweet dreams and peaceful sleep with a warm bath or hot tub time and soft, classical music. And remember—the sooner they unwind, the sooner your own post-bedtime relaxation routine (personal Jacuzzi® Hot Tub time) can begin.

As you soak your own tired muscles and reflect on the successes of the day, be thankful for a constant comfort through all seasons. And, fingers crossed, the bus will be back tomorrow.

After a hectic day, make sure you’re getting the best night’s rest with these tips from the Better Sleep Council Canada.