We woke up to snow flurries this morning and the promise of the accumulation of several inches of snow as the day goes on. As you prepare to enjoy a snow day (or two) with your children, here are 

 Five Important Snow Day Rules

courtesy of Parents Magazine

1. Dress for Visibility. Be sure everyone is wearing bright colors and/or reflective materials before going out to enjoy the snow. Slippery road and bright snow or midwinter gloom can cause visibility problems. Read the research on this phenomena here.
2. Protect Their Skin. Just because you're not out at the swimming pool doesn't mean that you're safe from sun damage. Snow reflects 80% of UV rays, which can cause a bad burn if unprotected skin is exposed for prolonged periods. Use a water-proof sunscreen and SPF lip balm in addition to sunglasses while building your snow man or ice fort.
3. Prevent Frostbite. Frostbite is a dangerous effect of prolonged exposure to cold. Children should go back inside if they notice pain, decreased sensation, tingling, or numbness (the tell-tale frostbite blister is often a sign that damage has already been done). Dr. Holly Benjamin recommends using the acronym C.O.L.D:
C - Cover hotspots with a hat and gloves or mittens to preserve heat.
O - Avoid overexertion. Bring kids in for periodic breaks.
L - Layers. Think loose-fitting, lightweight, and water-repellent.
D - Stay dry. If kids are sweating profusely or get snow in their shoes or boots, change them into dry clothes, socks, and foot gear immediately.
4. Push Fluids. It's especially difficult to gauge hydration needs during the winter (cold temperatures actually alter thirst sensation). We lose a great deal of water breathing outside in chilly air, which dries us out even more. Encourage water and other fluids throughout the day.
5. Take a Breather. Cold, dry air can be problematic for children who suffer from asthma. "Just as the cold dries and chaps your hands, it can also be drying to the lungs, causing tightening of the bronchial muscles," says Amy Burack. Pull a neck warmer over the mouth to warm the air before it's inhaled and monitor children for shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, or chest pain. Should these signs occur, treat with moist heat (like a warm shower or a cup of hot cocoa).

Have you completed the FAFSA yet?

The FAFSA is a form parents should complete each year for children going to and in college. "Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, 1,200 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated mind by providing more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school." (https://studentaid.ed.gov/about) 

Five Things to Remember about FAFSA:
1. FAFSA is free. There are sites out there that mimic the FAFSA site, but they require a fee. FAFSA is all about FREE student aid.
2. There are deadlines. Be sure to file your taxes early and complete the FAFSA by the stated deadlines. 
3. You can file early. Even if you haven't filed taxes for this year, you can complete the FAFSA based on last year's taxes and then update once you have filed the current year's tax returns.
4. Don't fall for the myths. ALL students attending college should file regardless of financial status EACH year the student will be attending college.
5. FAFSA isn't just for federal aid. "Many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid." (https://fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm)

Learn more about FAFSA here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAFSA

Get started today by filing on-line at https://fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm