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Ahead of a severe winter storm forecast to affect much of the country through the weekend, New York’s mayor Zoran Mandani It has been announced that the traditional snow day for children will not be held.
rainstorm expected It will arrive in the city on Sunday and continue into Monday, bringing as much as 8 to 12 inches of snow and frigid temperatures.
Mamdani said at a weather briefing press conference on Friday that the final decision on in-person and distance learning will be announced by noon Sunday.
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“We must apologize to the students who expected a different answer on a traditional snow day,” he said. That won’t happen.
“Unplugging” for mental health
Following Mamdani’s controversial announcement, doctors reviewed the decision, noting that snow days could be beneficial for children.
Snow days can be beneficial for children, doctors tell Fox News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
“From someone From a mental health perspectiveJonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City and Washington, D.C., told FOX News Digital, “A good old-fashioned unplugged snow day is actually very healthy for kids. Sometimes the healthiest message we can send to our kids is as simple as, ‘Go outside and have fun today.'”
Snow days shouldn’t be considered “lost time,” Alpert added. It regulates the nervous system and improves mood, allowing children to return to school more focused and refreshed.
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Spending time outdoors and being physically active can also be beneficial, he noted.
“The occasional snow day gives our kids something they rarely get now. Old-fashioned outdoor fun“Sledding, building snowmen, building forts…no screens, no Zoom links, no pressure to stay productive,” he said.
“Kids don’t need any more screen time,” he added. “They need movement, fresh air, unstructured play, and permission to unplug.”
Many doctors support “old-fashioned snow days” to allow children to play outside, get some fresh air, and “socialize and socialize.” (Jill Brady/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
FOX News Senior Medical Analyst Dr. Mark Siegel echoed similar sentiments about the benefits of taking a full day off without any obligations.
“I love the idea of an old-fashioned, mentally relaxing snow day. physical health “It’s for kids to play in the snow, build snowmen with carrot noses, socialize and socialize, and have harmless snowball fights,” he said.
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Kathryn L. Jones, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at VCU Richmond Children’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, also supports snow days as a way for kids to slow down and rediscover play.
“Kids don’t need more screen time. They need movement, fresh air, unstructured play, and permission to unplug.”
“Children and teens are very highly programmed with extracurricular activities, and even when they have free time, they often seek relaxation and recovery online, whether playing or not. video game Or you can use the various social media apps at your disposal,” she told FOX News Digital.
“There’s so much external and internal pressure to grow up faster that kids grow up to have forgotten how to play,” Jones continued. “When you play outside in the snow, you notice the touch, the temperature, all the senses are activated and engaged, and there’s a really kinesthetic joy to it.”
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Jones suggested that snow days don’t get the “respect and grace” they deserve.
“Snow days are valuable for the lessons we learn about nature, the world around us, and our own inner landscape.”
Advantages and disadvantages of virtual learning
Mr. Alpert pointed out that Zoom-based learning It has proven ineffective during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have already conducted experiments in replacing real life with distance learning during the pandemic, and the results were clear,” Alpert said.
One doctor said: “Stay warm by wearing a hat, gloves and a coat. If you get wet, go indoors, take a hot shower and have a cup of hot chocolate.” (St. Petersburg)
“Zoom school doesn’t work as real learning or real respite. It keeps kids mentally ‘on’ without giving them structure or recovery.” That’s exactly the problem stress and burnout build. “
Dr. Jarrod M. Leffler, chief of child and adolescent psychology at VCU Richmond Children’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, said virtual learning can have benefits if implemented well.
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“Switching to virtual learning during a snowstorm provides consistency for students and reduces the potential for adding days to the school year,” he told Fox News Digital. “This might be a good experience for some young people.”
However, if learning is not properly planned, supported, and implemented, the switch to virtual can add even more stress. students and teachersaccording to Loeffler.
“Snow days are valuable because of the lessons learned about nature, the world around us, and our own inner landscape,” the doctor said. (St. Petersburg)
“Also, depending on the severity of the weather, teachers may have to deal with life stressors that do not normally require their attention during class, resulting in teacher stresswhich can impact the learning experience,” he said.
“It is important to avoid placing high levels of academic stress on students to limit the increase in stress and the potential impact on emotional and behavioral functioning.”
Tips for staying safe and active on snowy days
For kids who have the chance to enjoy a snowy day unplugged, doctors offered some simple tips to make the most of it.
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“Stay warm and wear a hat, gloves and coat. If you get wet, come inside and take a hot shower and drink a cup of hot chocolate,” Siegel suggested.
“These are some of my best memories since childhoodit’s like sledding down “Dead Man’s Hill.”
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If you can’t be outdoors, abnormal weatherLeffler suggested that children can participate in indoor activities that are challenging, fun, and creative.
“If a child must remain indoors, it may be helpful for caregivers to plan for indoor activities or offer several options to reduce potential stress and frustration,” she advised.
