Snow & Inclement Weather Policies: A Guide for Nannies and Families

January 7, 2026

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and snow, ice, and severe conditions often bring questions and stress for both families and nannies. Should a nanny still come in? Is it a paid day off? What if travel isn’t safe?

At TLC Family Care, we believe that clear expectations and thoughtful planning make all the difference. Having an agreed-upon snow and inclement weather policy protects everyone and helps maintain a respectful, professional working relationship.

Below, we share perspectives from both families and nannies, along with practical tips for navigating weather-related disruptions.

What Is Considered Inclement Weather?

Inclement weather generally includes conditions that make travel unsafe or significantly difficult, such as:

  • Snowstorms or heavy snowfall

  • Ice or freezing rain

  • Dangerous road conditions

  • Severe wind, flooding, or power outages

  • State or local travel advisories or emergencies

A “snow day” for a nanny does not always mirror school closures. Instead, it should be based on safety, travel feasibility, and agreed-upon expectations between the family and nanny.

The Family Perspective

Families rely on consistent childcare, especially when schools close or routines are disrupted. From a family’s viewpoint:

  • A nanny’s presence may be even more important during snow days

  • Parents may still be expected to work remotely or outside the home

  • Last-minute absences can be stressful and disruptive

That said, most families want to be fair and reasonable, especially when conditions are unsafe.

Key considerations for families:

  • Is it safe for your nanny to travel to and from your home?

  • Would you expect yourself to drive in these conditions?

  • Can flexibility (remote work, adjusted hours, or overnight accommodations) help?

The Nanny Perspective

Nannies are also balancing safety, transportation limitations, and personal responsibilities. From the nanny’s viewpoint:

  • Driving in unsafe conditions can pose real risks

  • Public transportation may be delayed or shut down

  • Pressure to come in despite unsafe conditions can feel stressful

Professional nannies want to be dependable, but not at the expense of their safety.

Key considerations for nannies:

  • Communicate early and clearly if weather may impact your ability to travel

  • Be honest about safety concerns

  • Reference your work agreement or contract for guidance

Paid or Unpaid? Understanding Snow Days

How snow days are handled should be outlined in the work agreement. Common approaches include:

Guaranteed Hours

If a nanny is unable to work due to weather, but the family would otherwise need care, guaranteed hours typically apply, meaning the nanny is paid.

Use of Paid Time Off

Some families and nannies agree that snow days may be covered by PTO after a certain number of days.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, what matters most is clarity and consistency.

Tips for Creating a Fair Inclement Weather Policy

For both families and nannies, we recommend:

✔️ Discuss expectations in advance
Include a snow/inclement weather clause in your work agreement.

✔️ Define safety thresholds
Reference school closures, government travel advisories, or public transportation status.

✔️ Plan for flexibility
Options like delayed start times, overnight stays, or adjusted schedules can help.

✔️ Communicate early
Check in the night before or early morning to assess conditions.

✔️ Prioritize safety
No job is worth unsafe travel conditions.

A Shared Goal: Safety, Respect, and Communication

Snow and inclement weather days don’t have to be a source of conflict. With open communication, mutual respect, and clear policies, families and nannies can navigate winter weather with confidence and professionalism.

At TLC Family Care, we encourage families and nannies to revisit their agreements seasonally and adjust as needed. Thoughtful planning now can prevent stress later and help everyone feel supported, safe, and valued.

If you need help creating or updating a snow and inclement weather policy, reach out to TLC Family Care. We’re always here to support healthy, professional household employment relationships.

The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

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