Creativity combined with some planning, time, and effort can make a big difference in bonding with your kid. Ashton only gets my 100% attention on weekends, there are times when I need to work on Saturdays too – hence, I need to make an extra effort to make our bonding time more special.
Here’s my first attempt which is chocolate art making. I found this idea through a Facebook contest being ran by Breeze where they ask moms like us to upload a #SigeSabado moment to win a trip to Universal Studios. Disclaimer: I’ll make this blog post an official entry 😉
What you need:
1. Double broiler to melt the chocolate
2. Chopped milk chocolate
3. Ketchup bottle
4. Waxed paper
And if you have chocolate molds you can definitely teach your child how to use them.
How to melt chocolate
1. You need to chop the chocolate block into chunks. We only had to use 1/4 of a block.
2. Put a little water in the double broiler. Get it to boil then turn down the heat. You should avoid water getting onto the bottom of the bowl where you are melting your chocolates.
Mommy Lace tip: Wipe the bottom of the bowl from time to time with a hand towel
3. Stir the chocolate until it is soft and melted.
4. You can now transfer this into a ketchup bottle. If using a chocolate mold, just spoon the melted chocolate into the molding tray.
For the chocolates to hold their shape, you need to refrigerate them for about a minute or two while on the wax paper and chocolate mold. I use a “syanse” or slotted turner to lift the chocolate from the wax paper. To loosen up the chocolate from the mold just twist the mold from side to side, and tap it upside down.
Ashton enjoyed this activity. I think he was also wondering why I let him dirty his hands, clothes, and our kitchen. But more than cleaning up, our bonding memories are more important for me. I also realized how activities like this can be a nice way to relax and recreate without unnecessary expenses.
It also taught Ashton confidence and sharing. We shared our finished product proudly with some kids in the neighborhood, our family members, and of course – left some for ourselves to enjoy.
Do you have other frugal kiddie activities in mind that we can do at home? Please share them via comments below.
