As a major winter storm approaches, expected to affect much of the country over the weekend, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani announced that there will be no traditional snow day for children this year.
The storm is anticipated to hit the city on Sunday, lasting into Monday, with forecasts predicting 8 to 12 inches of snowfall along with frigid temperatures.
During a weather briefing on Friday, Mamdani stated that a final decision regarding in-person and remote learning will be reached by noon on Sunday.
“We sincerely apologize to the students who were hoping for a classic snow day,” he remarked, indicating that it wouldn’t happen this time.
Taking a Break for Mental Health
In light of Mamdani’s announcement, health professionals weighed in, noting that snow days can offer valuable benefits for children. Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist working in both New York City and Washington, D.C., pointed out, “From a mental health perspective, an unplugged snow day is actually really beneficial for kids.” He further emphasized that sometimes the best message we can convey to children is simply, “Go outside and have some fun.”
Alpert also mentioned that such days should not be regarded as “lost time.” Instead, they help regulate emotions and improve overall mood, allowing children to return to school feeling rejuvenated.
Moreover, spending time outdoors and being active can have significant benefits, he noted. “A rare snowy day presents kids with something we don’t see much of these days: pure outdoor enjoyment,” he added, citing activities like sledding and building forts as perfect ways to engage without screens or heightened productivity pressures.
“They just don’t need more screen time,” he continued. “What they really need is movement, fresh air, unstructured play, and a chance to disconnect.”
Dr. Mark Siegel, a senior medical analyst, echoed this view, celebrating the traditional snow day as a way for kids to engage in snowball fights and socialize, all while enjoying the simple pleasures of playing outdoors.
Kathryn L. Jones, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at VCU Richmond Children’s Hospital, advocated for snow days, highlighting how they allow children to slow down and reconnect with play. “Kids are often overscheduled, and when they do get downtime, they gravitate towards screens instead of engaging with the world around them,” she said.
Jones believes snow days offer valuable lessons about nature and even our own emotional landscapes. She noted, “There’s an array of sensory experiences when playing outside in the snow that truly activate joy.”
Virtual Learning’s Challenges and Benefits
Alpert pointed out that, based on experiences from the pandemic, virtual learning often falls short. “We’ve tried to substitute real experiences with online classes, and the results were pretty telling,” he remarked. “Zoom learning doesn’t really equate to real education or relaxation; it keeps kids mentally engaged without providing them the necessary structure or downtime, which leads to stress.”
Dr. Jarrod M. Leffler, chief of child and adolescent psychology at VCU, mentioned that while transitioning to virtual classrooms during snowstorms might offer some consistency, it can also create unwarranted stress—especially if not well-executed.
“The switch can be beneficial for some students,” Leffler noted, but he also cautioned against placing too much stress on both students and teachers during inclement weather. “We need to be careful not to increase academic pressures during these times.”
Staying Safe and Active on Snowy Days
For those fortunate enough to enjoy a snowy day, medical professionals suggest a few practical tips.
“Dress warmly, wear hats, gloves, and coats. If you get wet, head indoors, take a hot shower, and enjoy a warm drink,” Siegel advised.
Reflecting on his childhood memories, he added how much he cherished sledding adventures.
If staying indoors is necessary due to challenging weather, Leffler recommended engaging children in exciting indoor activities to alleviate stress and frustration.
“Planning varied and creative tasks can really make a difference,” she suggested. “This way, even if they have to stay inside, they still have enjoyable and stimulating options.”
