As I reflect back on 2010 I realize just how far this teenage cooking project has come. It has been a very steep learning curve for Claire and I – in fact at times I think it is so steep I have needed a rope – and sometimes even crampons!?

Of all the research and focus groups, the most poignant was the work we did to find out what teens think parents had to do if they wanted their kids to cook. We discovered eight key points… (I still struggle to keep a straight face when I recall how deadly serious they were!?!) These points could verge on being precocious – but it certainly helps us as parents if we know what they are thinking!

In their words, this is what parents should do…

1. Let me choose what I cook

2. Get me a recipe that works

3. Have all the ingredients

4. Stay out of the kitchen

5. Resist ‘you should have’ comments

6. Be impressed

7. Don’t nag

8. Cut me a deal!

I thought the points were so vital that Claire made a video clip to share with you…

I am really excited about 2011. There are so many kids eager to get into the kitchen and cook a decent meal. And from the feedback we are continually getting, so many parents keen to encourage kids take charge. Part of it is about ‘letting go and letting our kids get on with it…

Tags: Claire Gourley, cooking for teenagers, Glenda Gourley, teenage cooking

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 at 11:18 pm and is filed under Parenting tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.