PEP Blog

02|02

Let It Snow!

SHARE THIS:

The blizzard that buried an entire week might have seemed like a perfect storm of patience-destroying events — up to ten consecutive days with the kids at home, plus all the shoveling and re-shoveling, not to mention the drifts of wet clothes and boots in the house. Still, at PEP we like to look for the positive side of every situation, following the lead of Alfred Adler, who said, “Everything can also be different.”

To collect some positive memories of Snowzilla, we asked leaders of PEP’s current core classes, “What was the best thing, or the greatest benefit, of last week for you?” Here are their answers.

“The best thing about last week was having a little catch-up time at home (both on projects and on sleep) and being able to help out some elderly neighbors. It will be nice to have some warmer weather for several days, though!”

Michele Dausman, co-leader, PEP I: Parenting 5 to 12 Year Olds, and mom to a son, 27, and a daughter, 26

“For us, the best part of the ‘snowcation’ was that the kids spent so much time playing outside. They didn’t need any structure or any prompting. They just enjoyed making up their own snow activities for hours on end. They built a snow wall and a snow fort. They made dozens of snowballs and had a snowball fight. With the help of their dad, they created a sledding route that started on the mountain of snow made by the plows in our front yard. It was great fun and there were no screens involved!”

Ashley Mattison, class assistant, Thriving with Teens, and mom to daughters age 13 and 9

“The best thing about the impromptu ‘vacation’: spending time with the kids without the pressure or stress of planning the perfect vacation, and enjoying the snow (and hot chocolate!) together. My son even shoveled the car out from under the snow — without my asking. Who could ask for more?”

Nici Pichardo, class assistant, Parenting in Perspective, and mom to a daughter, 17, a nephew, 15, and a son, 14.

“Extra sleep was probably the best benefit, plus having more time to cook in the kitchen. The fridge was full, and we had time to enjoy cooking together.”

Colleen Reed, class intern, Parenting Preschoolers, and mom to a 10-year-old son.

“My 15-year-old son realized how valuable he could be to his family, as Dad was out of town and he and I shoveled the three feet of snow in the driveway together. I was nearly crying with gratitude, he was so helpful.”

Dana Spencer, co-leader, Parenting Preschoolers, and mom to sons age 15, 13 and 9

“The best thing was the sense of community — neighborhood and familial. Our children and their friends traipsed in and out of the house, hot chocolate flowed aplenty, and neighbors helped one another shovel. But best of all, we had three generations (my parents stayed with us for the blizzard) at home together, all cozy and warm, with lots of games, hot chili, and movies to share.”

Sonia Suter, class assistant, Thriving with Teens, and mom to a son, 14, a daughter, 11, and a niece, 17.

Wouldn’t this be a good time to explore the skills of being consistently happier and focused on the positive side of whatever the next storm brings? Positive Psychology: Building Optimism, Resilience & Fulfillment begins this Thursday morning, Feb. 4.

We’d love to hear from you: What was the best thing about last week for you? Share your answer in the Comments area below.