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Plan Ahead For Snow Days With Schoolkids, Psychologist Advises

By Suzanne Monaghan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Parents know the dreaded phrase, "I'm bored!  I don't have anything to do."

What do you do when the kids are home for a snow day, but it's too cold to play outside?

Philadelphia-based psychologist Dr. Melissa Brand encourages parents to plan ahead, stock up on supplies, and structure the day.

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(Dr. Melissa Brand. File photo)

"Because when you are faced with it suddenly, you forget all the things you could possibly be doing," she notes.

Things like cooking, board games, scrapbooking, or an indoor picnic.

"Being at home presents an excellent opportunity for parents to engage kids' imagination," Brand tells KYW Newsradio.

And she says snow days are also an opportunity for families to start traditions.

"I'm a big fan of rituals within the family," she says, "because I think it's the kind of thing that children remember as they grow older.  I also think it helps keep the family together."

And the day doesn't need to be all recreational, she advises.  It can also be a chance for kids to get caught up on schoolwork or to help parents with a home project.

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