How to Keep Your Business Running When School is Unexpectedly Closed (Without Losing Your Mind)
It starts the same way every time.
You wake up to the sound of snowplows scraping the streets. A glance at your phone confirms your suspicion—school is closed. Terrific.
Your to-do list, of course, remains completely indifferent to this news. Client deadlines, emails, and meetings don’t care that your house is about to become a chaotic blend of Zoom calls and impromptu wrestling matches.
If you’re a business owner and a parent, you already know the drill. But knowing it doesn’t make it any easier. So, what’s the plan? How do you keep things moving forward without feeling guilty about screen time, snack overload, or the fact that your most important meeting might now include a surprise cameo from your toddler?
Over the years, I’ve figured out some tricks that help me survive—and even thrive—on days like these. This isn’t about achieving perfection (because, let’s be real, that’s not happening). It’s about adapting, prioritizing, and making the most of the unexpected moments.
Let’s get into it.
Step One: Set a Flexible Game Plan
When life throws you a curveball, flexibility is your best friend. Instead of trying to replicate a “normal” workday, build a loose structure that lets you get things done without the frustration of constant disruptions.
1. Five-Minute Morning Prioritization
Before the chaos fully sets in, take five minutes to answer this question:
👉 What are the three most important things I need to accomplish today?
Write them down. Those are your non-negotiables. Everything else? Bonus points.
2. Work Around Your Kids’ Natural Rhythms
Instead of fighting against their energy, use it to your advantage:
Nap or Quiet Time = Deep Work Gold → Use this time for tasks that need your full focus (writing, client calls, financial planning).
Screen Time = Admin Sprint → Answer emails, send invoices, or schedule social media posts while they watch an educational show.
Active Play = Brainstorming Window → Take mental notes for new content ideas while they build a fort or play nearby.
Personally, I have my home office permanently set up in the playroom. It’s a strategic move—on regular school days, it’s business as usual. But on weekends or unexpected closures, I’m already in the zone, and the kids are right there if they need me. Having a plan where you can ‘set up shop’ while easily keeping them entertained? This is a must-have for your business.
3. Use Sprints Instead of Marathons
Long, uninterrupted work sessions? Not happening today. Instead, break work into 25-30 minute sprints. This helps you stay focused while allowing natural breaks for kid duty.
Step Two: Keep the Kids Busy (Without the Guilt)
Let’s be honest—screen time is going to happen. And that’s okay. But mixing in other low-maintenance activities can help you get through the day without feeling like they spent it glued to a tablet. And hey, if you manage through the whole day without it? Please let the rest of us know your tricks!!
1. Create a “Snow Day Box”
This is my secret weapon. Before winter even hits, I stash a box filled with special toys, craft kits, and sensory bins that only come out on days like these. The novelty keeps kids engaged way longer than their usual toys. This is also my rainy-day box as well.
2. The “Work Time” Kit
When you need focused work time, hand them a special kit with puzzles, coloring books, or small projects. Make it feel like a “big kid” responsibility: “This is your important work while I do mine.”
3. Leverage Virtual Playdates & Educational Tech
If your child is old enough, let them have a virtual playdate with a friend via FaceTime or Zoom. Bonus: Apps like ABCmouse, Epic, and Outschool can turn screen time into learning time while you knock out important tasks.
Step Three: Set Boundaries (Without Feeling Like a Jerk)
Boundaries are key—not just with your kids, but also with clients and colleagues.
1. Give Clients a Heads-Up
A quick, honest message can prevent a lot of stress:
📩 “Hey Mark, just a heads-up—school is unexpectedly closed today, so I’ll be balancing work and parenting. I’ll be slightly slower on responses but will get back to you ASAP. Thanks for understanding!”
Most people appreciate transparency—and it saves you from panicking when a call gets interrupted by a rogue toddler.
2. Use a “Work Mode” Signal for Kids
For older kids, establish a visual signal that means “I’m in focus mode.” It could be:
✅ A door sign that says “Busy—Check Back in 20 Minutes”
✅ A headphone rule (if they see headphones on, it’s work time)
✅ A timer system (they can’t interrupt until the timer beeps)
3. Have an Emergency Backup Plan
If things get really crazy, have a list of backup options:
A partner, neighbor, or babysitter who can step in.
Pre-approved screen time (so you’re not scrambling for ideas).
A “worst-case scenario” work list—small, low-effort tasks you can do even in chaos.
Step Four: Keep Work Flowing with Smart Hacks
The key to surviving unexpected school closures? Not scrambling last minute. The best systems are set up before you need them. If you haven’t already, take some time to automate repetitive tasks—schedule social media posts in advance, set up email templates, and have a go-to childcare backup list ready. The goal is to have these safety nets in place long before you need them, so when the chaos hits, you’re ready.
Even with the best planning, some days are just messy. That’s where a few strategic work hacks come in.
1. Automate Everything You Can
Schedule emails to send later using tools like Boomerang.
Pre-schedule social media posts using Later, Buffer, or Meta Business Suite.
Set up auto-responses for emails or customer inquiries.
2. Delegate What You Can
If you have a team, lean on them. If not, consider hiring a virtual assistant for small tasks like inbox management or scheduling.
3. Batch Similar Tasks
Jumping between different types of tasks kills productivity. Instead, group similar ones together:
✔ Answer all emails at once
✔ Handle all admin tasks in one sitting
✔ Do creative work in a separate session
Step Five: Shift Your Mindset & Embrace the Chaos
At the end of the day, some things won’t get done—and that’s okay.
1. Progress Over Perfection
Instead of measuring success by how much you accomplish, measure it by how well you balanced work and family.
2. Find the Magic in the Mess
The best moments often come from the unexpected ones. A snowball fight between meetings. A midday craft session. A toddler crashing a Zoom call and making a client laugh.
If this normalizes it for you…I’ve done countless networking calls—and even a few client meetings—while balancing a baby or toddler on my lap. And guess what? It worked. If I could keep it professional, I did. But when I couldn’t, every single person I spoke with was understanding. A quick, honest heads-up makes all the difference: 'Hey, just a heads-up, I’m juggling a school closure today, so if we need to reschedule, let me know!' Nine times out of ten, people appreciate the transparency—and sometimes, they even share their own parenting war stories.
These moments have taught me that authenticity builds trust—and sometimes, embracing the chaos is the best strategy of all.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Running a business with kids at home on a surprise day off isn’t easy. But with the right mix of planning, flexibility, and mindset shifts, you can navigate the chaos like a pro.
Recap: The Survival Plan:
✅ Prioritize only three must-do tasks
✅ Work in short sprints around your kids’ natural rhythms
✅ Set up a “Snow Day Box” for independent play
✅ Communicate with clients & set realistic expectations
✅ Automate, delegate, and batch tasks. Plan before the day comes.
✅ Embrace the chaos—progress beats perfection
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your best trick for running a business when school unexpectedly closes? Drop your tips in the comments or share your story on social media. Let’s help each other survive—and dare I say, even enjoy—these unexpected days!