Ho Ho ho!

This 2020 Christmas message almost didn't make it. I have to admit that I needed to take some time away from my laptop.  Anyone else feel like they need a break between 2020 and 2021?  It took me a while before I could start writing in my 2021 planner and I'm looking forward to shutting down my screens for a short time. 

But there was a bomb that I wasn't expecting... a final curveball.
​
A small thing compared with what many of you have been through in 2020. I do feel for all of you who have been dealt a final curve ball which has meant not spending time with loved ones over Christmas. I'm so sorry that this year has been full of curveballs and uncertainty. 

I wanted to share a little sweet treat  (especially those who are still reading your emails so close to Christmas).  

Hot Chocolate Bombs
​
Ingredients:
Dark and white cooking chocolate blocks.
Hot cocoa powder (hot chocolate)
Christmas sweet decorations (mini marshmallows, M & Ms).

Method:

• Melt a block of dark chocolate in the microwave. Use bursts of 30 seconds at medium heat and stir. (Check that you don't overheat the chocolate as melting times will vary between microwaves.  Usually heat until the chocolate still looks like block pieces but when you stir, it combines without lumps.  Make sure bowl and spoon are dry). 
• Spoon small amounts of chocolate into round silicon moulds and spread to coat mould. (I used cake pop moulds that I had on hand.  Others have used Easter Egg moulds).  
• Place in the refrigerator until set. 
• Once set, remove the shell from the silicon mould.  Fill one half with cocoa powder and mini marshmallows.
• Heat a small plate in the microwave (30 seconds works for me). 
• Place an empty shell onto the plate to gently melt the "circle" part.  Place this on top of the shell with cocoa/marshmallows.  Gently press and you can use your finger to spread the slightly melted chocolate to help the seal. Place finished "bomb" in a clean bowl. 
• Repeat until all shells are filled.  You may need to reheat your small plate a few times. 
• Place filled "bombs" in your refrigerator until set again. 
• Heat some white chocolate (50g is enough as it is just for decoration) in the microwave.  Allow to cool slightly before drizzling over the filled "bombs".  Top each bomb with sprinkles or an M & M.  Place in the refrigerator until ready to use!

To use these "Hot Chocolate Bombs"... heat up some milk and drop them into the cup.  Watch them melt and give them a final stir. Drink!

Some tips:
* Don't add Bailey's Irish Cream to the chocolate once it has been heated into the microwave. Hot and cold liquids together are not a good idea.  Add a small splash of Baileys prior to placing the chocolate in the microwave for a "boozy" Hot Chocolate!
* Don't try to film your process whilst balancing a tripod and having sticky chocolate fingers.  Your camera may fall and break... (ouch - this was my "bomb").  Even though I have the footage, I couldn't face my camera and take it out to edit ..... so, go to  DO IT ON A DIME who inspired me to make these. 
* If making this with your family - allow for all the refrigerator "setting time".  It is a bit fiddly and it is a lot quicker to put hot cocoa/chocolate straight into the cup ... but it is a little festive frivolity that some of you will enjoy. 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Keep healthy and safe! 

Thank you for your ongoing support! 
​

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​

​Christmas is a time for giving and in that spirit, I am sharing a second holiday FREEBIE with you!  

If you missed it, the FREE 2020 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PACK was a hit with my readers.  Make sure you get your copy of Christmas writing prompts, mazes, I spy pages and more ---->2020 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PACK.

The printables I create are typically made for ME first... so that I can use them in my own practice. It means that I aim to share only what works for me and what the children I work with have responded well to.  I am constantly creating therapy ideas and printable material (I don't always use worksheets - even though this paragraph may make it sound like I do... ).  There are many products which end up on the cutting room floor or need further development before I share them with you. 

Each year I find my caseload - the children I work with in private practice - is changing.  In the last few years, I have started to see more children who need help with social emotional regulation and social thinking skills.  There are many great programs to help children with these skills according to their age and level of understanding.  I can't actually name them here as I share this product with you as there are strict copyright laws around this. 

Today's FREEBIE is designed for children who need some assistance with social emotional regulation and social thinking skills. Christmas can be a time which brings heightened emotions and triggers for lack of self control... a difficult time for some with regulation.   

Social Emotional Competencies: Christmas edition .... includes:

• Expected/Unexpected behaviour
• Thinking about "just me" or "me and others"
• How others feel (when you do expected/unexpected behaviour)
• How big is the problem
• Understanding perspective (and empathy)
• Conversation starters (these are great for all kids and adults too)

​
Use the form below to enter your email address to receive this FREE printable. If you are reading this in your email and can't see the form, you can either select "show remote content" in your email browser or use this link ----> TAKE ME TO  THE ONLINE PAGE to see the form online.

Would you like MORE social emotional resources? Check this out ---> SOCIAL EMOTIONAL COMPETENCY BUNDLE.

 Answering your questions....
Why do I need to fill the form in each time you offer a freebie? 
Using a form helps me as a content creator to keep track of which printables are most popular.  The forms help with distribution as often the files are too big to send via email. 

Why do I need to subscribe to receive your freebies? 
Subscribing to the YKOT newsletters means that you will always know when I have new products available or I can remind you of products I have created previously.  I also bring content regularly that has no products ... for those who are looking for therapy ideas, information about occupational therapy and an understanding of therapeutic clinical reasoning for activities. I occasionally share products or learning opportunities created by others where I have an affiliation.

You can unsubscribe at any time.  Too many emails? I get it.  I won't be offended if you are only here for the free stuff. 

Already a subscriber... well thank you!... you will only ever be on the newsletter list ONCE. You do need to re-enter your email address in the form so that the latest FREEBIE can be sent to you. 

Why isn't everything on your site free? 
YKOT continues to be created and run by "just me"... Cindy! Your support by subscribing or purchasing items helps me to sustain this blog  There are ongoing costs for running a website, running email distribution as well as the time spent in content creation. I do most of it for the "love" of creating content and sharing it with you... but the reality is that there are costs that need to be met as well. 

Haven't "met" me yet? Read about me or watch my introductory you-tube video ---> MEET ME

Phew... do you have more questions?  I always welcome your interaction via email (cindy@yourkidsot.com) or via social media.  Find me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook!  You can also find me on You-Tube (sorry no videos for a little while since Monte my puppy has arrived- but expect more in 2021)!  Your comments, likes and shares are also valued as they tell me what content you are interested in and what you find useful! 

Well if you have continued to the end of that speel... you are so valued! And THANK YOU for your ongoing support!

Enjoy this latest printable?  Send your friends/colleagues this way to get their own copy! 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​

 2020... there are a lot of people looking forward to this year coming to a close. 

2020 has actually been a good one for me (not speaking of Covid19).  I've enjoyed the time at home and the slow down in pace during lockdown.  However, our lockdown time here in Sydney was relatively brief compared to others around the country and around the world. It has been a devastating year for many. 

Some of you who follow me on social media will know that a new fur-member has joined our family three weeks ago. Monte is a beautiful yellow Labrador who is adorable and also an all-consuming part of my life now.  Do drop into my IG account to see photos of Monte in my IG stories now and again (generally on the weekend) as I just can't help #puppyspam... so sorry if you are not a dog person!

OK, back to OT stuff. As the year draws to a close, these holiday printables will be a great addition to your therapy sessions or family table. This year I have included 5 "write and draw" pages, 3 simple mazes, 3 "I spy" pages , 2 "draw with me" pages, fine and gross motor activity ideas. 

If you have missed my past Christmas holiday activities, go to the YKOT website ---> CHRISTMAS LANDING PAGE.

​To get your copy of the 2020 Holiday Activity Pack, fill in the form below (please not subscribers will only be placed on the mailing list once).  You can unsubscribe at any time, however stay on the list and you will always be the first to know when I have new products and freebies. 
​

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas season.  May 2021 be a fresh new year where new memories are made with those you love and care for. 

I hope you will continue to join me here at YKOT as I bring you new content in the year to come (hopefully when my puppy is less demanding )!
​

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/