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This winter has been a rough one here in the Northeast, with unrelenting snow, downed electrical wires, icy roads, and of course, inevitably, snow days. Such weather can wreak havoc with one’s work-family juggle, and led us to poll you, our readers, as to how do you (or those you know) manage dependent care in an unexpected weather situation?

The results are now in:

• 43% of you indicated that you stay home when unexpected weather hits;
• 27% of you ask family members to help out with the dependent care so that you can go to work;
• Another 20% of you revealed that you swap with your spouse, or take turns going to work or staying home to care for dependents;
• 5% of you state that your babysitter helps out;
• Another 3% ask a neighbor or a friend to watch over your dependents (again, so you can go to work); and, finally,
• 2% of you indicated that you have back-up care.

For many jobs, telecommuting may be a good option on days when the weather keeps you home. It’s also clear that having a local support system makes coping that much easier, as is the case for any work-family balance issue.

Please take a moment and answer our new poll: Have you ever used the Family and Medical Leave Act?

• Dependent Care , Leave , Scheduling , Telework , Workplace