There’s nothing like an impending snowstorm to make us speed up (before the storm) and then slow down (when it hits)! Last night, after he got off work, my husband visited the grocery and got the last package of English muffins among other items. Today, I was on the long line for gas and more food at Costco.

If you’ve secured bread, milk and brownie mix and know where you can access a sled and shovel, it’s time to think ahead. What will the kids do when they’ve come in from the cold and are warming up inside the house? (I know they think they can stay out all day, but we know that’s not advisable.) For parents, snowstorms are a great time to teach the kids all those things you’ve always wanted to but never had the time. Do you speak a foreign language and never have time to pass along the skill? How about sharing some songs around the fireplace? Kids love to sing, and it’s very cool to do so in another language. If you know some children’s songs from your childhood, singing may turn into storytelling about another culture and time.

Do your kids want to learn how to knit? My sister just recently got such a request from her 9-year-old daughter, and after locating knitting needles, she had to make a few attempts before she could remember how to do it. And if your children are inclined toward science, try some chemistry experiments you can do with ingredients you already have on hand. About.com’s Kitchen Science Experiments are fun and easy to do, like making a rainbow-colored liquid density column. The project is very pretty, is safe enough to drink and uses only sugar, water, food coloring and a glass. Got a budding Indiana Jones? He or she can build a baking soda and vinegar volcano. Or the detectives in your house can create invisible ink to write a secret message. For up-and-coming chefs, try making Rock Candy, a fun and tasty way to grow crystals and see the structure of sugar on a big scale.

If your child is really too young for these activities, try spreading a sheet over furniture, like the kitchen table, to create your own tent. Don't forget to crawl inside and enjoy the fun! Snowstorms offer an opportunity to slow down and spend time with our kids – when they’re not outside sledding. Got some great ideas of your own for more indoor activities? Share them with us!

It's not too early to start planning a fun family Valentine's! Check out upcoming kids' events in CarolinaParent.com's Valentine Guide and daily calendar.