Ah, the great Canadian winter debate: To drive or not to drive? That was the question I wrestled with as I stared out the window at the never-ending snow squall. The roads were a mess, busses were cancelled, and cars were sliding into ditches left and right. Yet, there I was, keys in hand, debating whether braving the storm for a 15-minute drive to my kids’ skating lessons was a completely reckless decision—or just part of the Canadian parent experience.
Let’s be honest, we Ontarians are used to this. Snow days aren’t exactly rare, and bad road conditions are just part of the deal when you live here. But just because we can drive in it, does that mean we should?
I’m sure I’m not the only mom who fights these mental battles:
1️⃣ I don’t want my kids to miss out. They love their skating lessons, and consistency is key in learning new skills.
2️⃣ We’ve already paid for it! There’s no refund for missed classes, and the rink remained open, so technically, skating was still “on.”
3️⃣ Fewer kids means more 1-on-1 time! If other parents decided to stay home, my kids might get more attention from the coaches—silver lining, right?
But then, of course, the flip side:
1️⃣ Is it worth the risk of an accident? My vehicle is equipped for winter, but that doesn’t mean other drivers are making smart choices.
2️⃣ The roads are bad, and people drive like maniacs. I trust my ability to drive in the snow, but there’s always that one person who thinks their summer tires will do just fine. (Spoiler: They won’t.)
3️⃣ It’s much warmer inside. I mean, let’s be real—why voluntarily freeze when a cozy couch and hot chocolate are calling my name?
Ultimately, we went. The drive was nerve-wracking—white knuckle, emergency vehicles everywhere, visibility shifting from “meh” to “where did the road go?”—but we made it safely there and back.
Was it the right call? I second-guessed myself the entire time. But when we got home in one piece and my kids beamed about their extra time on the ice, it felt worth it—this time.
I know some of you are shaking your heads, thinking, No way, not worth it. And honestly, I don’t disagree. Others might say, Life goes on, it’s just another winter day.
So tell me—where do you stand? Would you have gone? Or would you have stayed cozy indoors and played it safe? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I know I’m not the only parent who struggles with this decision!
Check out my Instagram post too, and leave a comment to generate some good conversation !
