LATCHKEY TEENS…Cooking for the family? Say what?

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

I am going to flip the switch here a bit and talk about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. A growing concern with many parents today is what to do with their latchkey teens. Yes, they are old enough to stay home alone, but should they be home alone with “nothing” to do? Of course the issue has always been a concern, but today with so much exposure to online porn, drugs, and violence what’s a parent to do? Most teens are hardly interested in after-school programs and not all teens are into sports activities or after-school clubs. Let’s get real; at times talking to teens is sometimes like talking to a brick wall. You deal with attitude, snarls, rolling eyes, and that unconscionable silence.

It is unfortunate that by the time children become teens or even tweens, the things that mean the most to us, as parents, means the least to them. Who should be watching our teens when parents are off trying to make a living; grandparents, nannies, babysitters? Is it reasonable to think that our children can and will stay home for the one, two or three hours while we complete the work day and tackle the interstate home?

Teens today may tolerate caregivers who are hip, cool and in the know about the things that are of interest to them, i.e. their music, fashion, technology and current events that suit their fancy. If you must select someone to supervise your young teen consider the following:

• Involve your teen in the selection process
  
• Look for some who has experience with teenagers
  
• Look for some who like teenagers
  
• Be honest about the job description, if you need a drive to football practice, or someone to help with homework, state that
  
• Seek someone interest and familiar with the teen culture and who is informed about sports, computer, music and those things that interest your teen
  
• Seek some one who is willing intellectually to go toe-to-toe with your teen
  
• Set ground rules on how your should will behave toward the caregiver
  
• Set ground rules on how the caregiver will behave toward your child and include conversations about discipline
  
• Explain how you want to be told about those “naughty” little behaviors, i.e. getting caught looking at porn on the computer, or visiting chat rooms that are off limits
  

I know this suggestion is probably more appropriate for a parent with young teens, so don’t jump down my throat, it’s just a suggestion. Parents with older teens may want to consider getting their teens involved in starting dinner. I know, they only want pizza, hot pockets and hanging out with their friends. Looks, they live in your house, use your electricity, water and air-conditioning; the least they can do is be responsible for cooking one or two meals per week. Try it! Ask! You might even get an Okay! Look I will even give them a recipe to start with below…remember nothing beats a failure, but a try.

Homemade Smoked Turkey and Cheese Hot Pockets

Serves 12 (These freeze beautifully, place in small freezer bags)

You may already be familiar with this recipe, but this is my version of "hot pockets." Make sure you store the pockets in freezer bags after baking and reheat in a toaster over for about 6-7 minutes or microwave for 8 seconds or a bit longer, if frozen. I do not like to microwave food so you may have to experiment with the microwave time. If you allow the pockets to get room temperature, 5-6 seconds in the microwave should be good, but start at the lowest time first. These are great with soup or a side salad.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed (in frozen food section of your grocery store)

• 3 cups loosely chopped smoked turkey or ham (you may also substitute cooked sausage, cooked hamburger or cooked chopped chicken)

• 12 slices American cheese (you may substitute Swiss, Provolone or cheddar)

1. Don't forget to allow time for the dough to thaw out!

2. Divide thawed dough into 12 pieces.

3. On floured surface, roll each piece into 5 or 6 inch circle.

4. Place 1/4 cup ham and one piece of cheese on the circle

5. Fold dough over filling and seal edges with a fork.

6. Place on greased cookie sheet.

7. Bake at 350°F degrees for 10-15 minutes.

8. After 10 minutes, check pockets - remove when they begin to brown.

Allow to cool a few minutes before serving