The new year often brings a sense of fresh beginnings and a chance to reset, but for parents, it also marks the beginning of a season full of the unexpected. Between school closures for weather, holidays like MLK and President's Day, teacher in-service days, and the inevitable winter illnesses, juggling work and family responsibilities can feel overwhelming. I kid you not, that as I write this, all three of my kids are home for their third snow day of the week! So, if you're also facing similar childcare challenges, you're not alone.

Here's a practical guide to navigating those unexpected changes to your schedule without losing your mind.

Step 1: Throw a Temper Tantrum

The moment you find out that your carefully planned day has been upended can be frustrating. Whether you get an email about school being closed, your child wakes you up in the middle of the night with a fever, or your childcare provider texts to say they're sick or can't come in, it's okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or overwhelmed at what that means for your day. The day is not going to go the way you thought it would! Give yourself permission to react. I call this permission to throw my own mini temper tantrum! You can vent to a friend whose kid goes to the same school, send a frustrated text, or simply let out a sigh of frustration. Get it out! (just maybe not in front of your kids.) Now, once you've had your moment, it’s time to recalibrate.

Step 2: Take a Moment to Reset

Before switching into problem-solving mode, take a minute to center yourself. Take a deep breath, make a cup of tea or coffee, or grab a glass of water. Your nervous system is likely on high alert with the changes that are happening to your day. You'll be much better equipped to make decisions and find a solution if you can create a bit of calm amidst the chaos.

Step 3: Review Your Calendar

Start by assessing what your day was supposed to look like. Look at your calendar and identify:

Meetings or Appointments: Is there anything that can be canceled or rescheduled? If possible, reach out to colleagues or clients and explain the situation. You might be surprised at how understanding people can be. And who knows, maybe they're in a similar position.
Time-sensitive tasks: Prioritize tasks with deadlines that can’t be moved and think creatively about how to tackle them during the day. Maybe that's during a nap or while your sick kiddo watches a movie or maybe it's logging on in the evening after bedtime. Knowing what absolutely has to get done, can help you set expectations for what you'll need to do to accommodate that item.
Non-essential items: Postpone tasks that don’t require immediate attention. Push it to tomorrow or next week. Let people know that it's going to be late. Future you will be better equipped to take care of that. Simply acknowledging that your day is going to look different, and you won't be able to do everything, can reduce unnecessary pressure.

Step 4: Ask for Help

If you have a partner, family nearby, or supportive friends/neighbors, now is the time to tap into your network. You know your situation best, but here are some ideas that I've seen work:

Trading off responsibilities: Can you and your partner divide the day into work blocks to ensure each of you has uninterrupted time?
Neighbor swaps: If neighbors or friends are in a similar situation, consider sending the kids back and forth so each house has some focused work time while the kids are at the other house, and vice versa.
Extended family support: If grandparents or other relatives are available, don’t hesitate to call on them.
Drop-in day camps: If your kid is sick, this isn't an option, but for snow or weather closures, many cities and towns have places that offer a drop-in camp. They're not usually cheap, but if you have something that you absolutely can't miss, this could be an idea worth researching.
Lean on easy activities: If outside help isn’t an option, which is the case for so many, think about what your kids can do that requires minimal supervision. Movie marathons, favorite video games, or a special craft project can provide a window of quiet time for work.

Step 5: Embrace Flexibility and Creativity

Everyone's situation is unique, so adapt your strategy to fit your circumstances. But on days like these, try to get creative:

Screen time: While not ideal for every day, an occasional movie day or extra screen time can be a lifesaver when you need to attend a call or get a project completed.
Nap times: For younger children, coordinate essential work tasks or work calls during their nap time.
Shortened meetings: If possible, shorten meetings to 30 minutes so you're not trying to juggle kids and a call for more than is necessary. Get on the call, cut the fluff, and get right to the point.
After-hours work: While certainly not idea, sometimes you just have to do work after the kids go to bed. Remember that it's just because of these unexpected circumstances and it won't be a long-term solution. My best tip is to know exactly what tasks needs to be completed so you don't stay up late mindlessly shuffling emails and calling it work.

Step 6: Simplify Your To-Do List

Recognize that today won’t be a normal day. Review your task list and focus only on the essentials. Identify your "must-dos" and defer everything else. Save tasks requiring deep focus for quieter times, and opt for lighter, more flexible tasks that can be done alongside parenting duties.

Step 7: Create an Updated Plan

Once you’ve adjusted your expectations and prioritized tasks, create a new plan for the day. This plan should outline:

The tasks or meetings that must be completed.
Activities or breaks to keep your kids engaged.
Any contingency plans for unexpected interruptions.

For example, if you have two crucial meetings, plan for a quiet activity or childcare arrangement during those times and schedule work sessions for later in the evening if needed.

Step 8: Get Ready for the Day

Even if your day involves staying at home, getting dressed and following your usual morning routine can help set a productive tone. This mental shift signals that you’re ready to face the day, even if it looks different from what you originally planned.

Step 9: Lean Into the Day

Can you acknowledge that today might not be about peak productivity? If you have a sick child, your choice is to be there for them when they're not feeling well. If it’s a snow day, embrace the opportunity to bake in between calls, play in the snow over your lunch break, or enjoy a family movie while you catch up on your laptop. It might not be your most productive day, but I bet you'll remember the fun you had more than the things you crossed off your to-do list.

Step 10: Reflect and Move Forward

When the day is over, take a moment to reflect. Did you accomplish the most important tasks? Did you make the best of a challenging situation? Remember that one unproductive day won’t derail your goals in the long term.

Looking Ahead

If you’re navigating these challenges regularly, consider building systems that make future disruptions easier to handle. This could include:

Batching work: Complete tasks ahead of schedule when possible.
Emergency plans: Have a list of backup childcare options or go-to activities for kids (and keep them stocked in the house!).
Support systems: Build relationships with neighbors, friends, or colleagues who understand your situation.

You’re Not Alone

Parenting during this season of life comes with unique challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to practice flexibility, creativity, and resilience. If you’re looking for more support, consider working with a coach who understands the balance between work and family life. Whether you want to improve boundaries, find time for self-care, or make progress on professional goals, coaching can provide the tools and accountability you need.