<p>As the birthday between two milestone birthdays, a 17th birthday party can sometimes get overlooked when it comes to making plans, but not anymore!</p><p>If your teen is determined to celebrate their 17th birthday in style then don't worry, we have birthday party ideas to suit all sorts of celebrations. From cute 17th birthday ideas for small gatherings to the ultimate epic 17th birthday party, we are pretty sure we've covered it all. </p><p>So if you're stuck on 17th birthday celebration ideas, and don't know how to bridge the gap between sweet 16 and the all-important 18th, we can help. And if teens are determined not to have a party, that's fine too, we've got some low-key ideas for small groups of friends and even some fun for just the family. Make your teen's 17th a year to remember with these birthday ideas that totally take the cake. </p><p>For more, check out our take on [travel for teens] or have a look at our guide to [parenting today's teens] if you're feeling lost in today's crazy technological world.</p><p>‍</p><h2 data-header-link="17th Birthday Ideas For Winter">17th Birthday Ideas For Winter</h2><div></div><p>Winter birthdays can be tricky to plan for, but these 17th birthday party ideas for winter will make you glad your teen was born in the colder months of the year.</p><p>1. Host the most sophisticated foodie teen party by inviting guests to celebrate with a 17th birthday dinner party. Depending on your budget you could hire a private chef for the evening, or get together as a family to cook up a fancy feast. Guests will love dressing in their finest evening wear and drinking fancy mocktails, and your teen will enjoy planning a grown-up evening in the house. Why not theme the meal with your teen's favorite cuisine, and ask all guests to bring a party trick or game that relates to your theme. To take the stress out of cooking, it's also fully acceptable to ask kids to bring a dish each to the party for a more low-key event.</p><p>2. We love the idea of a mall scavenger hunt if you don't want to have a party at home during the winter months. Just create a list of things for teens to find (you can download one online to save time) and set them off with a timer and a place to meet at the end. The beauty of this game is that it's all in the planning, you can make an original hunt that suits the personalities and interests of your teen's best friends. Split larger groups into teams and give them a budget to buy weird party supplies or small gifts for the birthday host to add some extra excitement. There's no need to come home after the party either, teens can finish their hunt with fast food and a trip to the movies for a totally chill winter birthday treat.</p><p>3. Nothing beats a slumber party with your best friends, which is why it's one of the perfect birthday parties for winter. Choose a spa theme with face masks and treatments or cater to the foodies by planning an ice-cream sundae bar and pizza-making class. Games like "who knows the birthday boy/girl best?" and truth or dare will make this 17th birthday party feel like a special event. Decorate your front room with fairy lights and sophisticated themed balloons (think rose gold and glitter-filled, or matte black and silver) for a glam sleepover look. Provide teens with a karaoke machine if you dare, and let the madness ensue. Finish the night with a seriously scary movie and tons of popcorn and teens will have a blast.</p><h2 data-header-link="17th Birthday Ideas For Summer">17th Birthday Ideas For Summer</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:640px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/603f1cee547d0261f0c8e61f-17th-birthday-ideas-for-summer.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="A BBQ party is a great way to celebrate for teens looking for 17th birthday party ideas for summer." width="640" height="426" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_603f1cee547d0261f0c8e61f-17th-birthday-ideas-for-summer.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_603f1cee547d0261f0c8e61f-17th-birthday-ideas-for-summer.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/603f1cee547d0261f0c8e61f-17th-birthday-ideas-for-summer.jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p>Summertime 17th parties are some of the best because we've got the whole of the great outdoors to incorporate into our plans. Get outside and celebrate in summer style with this list of easy 17th birthday ideas that will make the most of the sunshine. </p><p>4. An outdoor BBQ party is the perfect summer event for a 17th birthday. Teens can have enough space from the adults to hang out with their friends, while the whole family can still get involved and join in on the fun. Strike up a bonfire as the sun goes down, and serve up burgers, steaks, and any other party food you fancy and the vibes are sure to be high.</p><p>5. One of our favorite summer birthday party theme ideas is a picnic in the park. Throw down a blanket and create an instagrammable feast with cupcakes, mini sandwiches, and wooden boards filled with yummy nibbles. Make it feel a bit more grown-up with mocktails and add a color scheme to the mix to really shake up the vibe. Give teens disposable cameras as a party gift, so they can take turns at photoshoots to capture the scene. If you want to make the picnic feel even more grown-up for your 17th party, why not make it an outdoor dinner party, complete with fairy lights and candles to set the scene, for a magical evening of birthday fun.</p><p>6. If you have access to a pool, it's hard not to mention a pool party when we're thinking of 17th birthday party ideas! We find it best to have some activities planned for a 17th birthday party, as an easy way to get everyone involved and having fun. Get all of your guests involved in some hands-on games like Greasy Watermelon ( where you throw an oiled-up melon into the pool and have two teens try to grab it and take it back to their team). Don't forget cannonball contests and volleyball too, there are so many pool party games that will entertain teens for hours. </p><p>7. Get your sporty teen outside in the park by planning some fun sports and games to celebrate in a high-energy style. This is one of our favorite 17th birthday ideas for guys and girls because everyone can get involved and enjoy taking part in sports. Plan some silly sports day activities like wheelbarrow races, three-legged races, and relays and watch teens feel like kids for the afternoon. Finish off this themed party with pizzas and hotdogs in the park as the sun sets, and this 17th birthday party will be one for the books.</p><h2 data-header-link="17th Birthday Ideas For Small Groups">17th Birthday Ideas For Small Groups</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:640px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/603f1d042b45ab28ec650ba5-17th-birthday-ideas-for-small-groups.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Make small parties meaningful by adding special touches." width="640" height="426" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_603f1d042b45ab28ec650ba5-17th-birthday-ideas-for-small-groups.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_603f1d042b45ab28ec650ba5-17th-birthday-ideas-for-small-groups.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/603f1d042b45ab28ec650ba5-17th-birthday-ideas-for-small-groups.jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p>Sometimes inviting a small group of friends can be easier and more fun than huge parties for a 17th birthday. Big parties can end up being stressful and these cool 17th birthday ideas let your teen just focus on having fun with their besties and enjoy their special day.</p><p>8. Organize a spa theme birthday party for a small group of friends for an easy night of pampering fun. Invest in nail gems, make homemade face masks and scrubs, and try out new hairstyles while you play some spa-themed music and drink oh-so-chic cucumber water. If your teen is looking to up the luxury even more, why not book them into a real spa with a few of their best friends to enjoy a proper pamper for the afternoon?</p><p>9. Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for your teen's 17th birthday? Why not invite one or two friends for an afternoon of indoor skydiving as a seriously epic treat. It'll surely be a birthday they remember for years to come. Not to mention it's one to tick off their bucket list, and maybe even yours too if you dare!</p><p>10. If you have a teen that loves being part of the action, a paintballing birthday party could be the ultimate fun celebration on this list. Get your teen out of the house and down to your local paintballing site with some of their best friends, and let the madness ensue.</p><p>11. Let teens spend the night on a camping trip in the local area, or if you want to keep an eye on the antics, then why not have them camp out in your backyard? They will have a great time bonding around the campfire with their closest friends. Suggest playing some classic camping games like twenty questions and truth or dare for some birthday party fun. Teens can cook their own food over the fire and take turns telling ghost stories while munching on s'mores. It's probably best to leave this party theme to more sensible teens, as it can be hard to keep track of what they are getting up to. That's why we think this is best suited to small groups of close friends rather than bigger invite lists.</p><p>12. Organize a paintings party for budding artists to have a go on the canvas. You can hire someone to lead the party or just stream a Bob Ross tutorial on a projector, and give everyone a canvas and some paints to get creative with. You'll be amazed how many hours can pass in a flash at a painting party, and the guests will have their very own masterpiece to take home at the end. We recommend using acrylics because they dry quickly and are easy to use, &nbsp;just in case some of your group aren't as artistic as others.</p><h2 data-header-link="17th Birthday Ideas For Large Groups">17th Birthday Ideas For Large Groups</h2><p>If your teen has grand 17th birthday party ideas that involve loads of their friends, then these party theme suggestions are some of the best ways to celebrate.</p><p>13. When we think of a party, our mind immediately springs to dancing, and what better way to entertain tons of friends than to host an epic disco dance event. Hire out a local venue or transform a room at your house into a dance floor, and get your teen to make a playlist of their favorite dance tunes. Why not go all out and hire a DJ to play to get the party poppin' (though probably don't say that to your teen or you might not be cool enough to make the guest list).</p><p>14. If you live nearby a lake or the sea, you're bound to have a local party boat service, which makes for a totally fun 17th party for teens and their friends. Often the boats will have all-inclusive packages so you don't even need to plan anything for boat parties, and your teen will be bound to love this stylish celebration to end their seventeenth year. </p><p>15. For film-loving teens, why not take a movie night party the extra mile and hire out an entire movie theater for their 17th party. Play their favorite movies and serve popcorn and snacks, and invite all of their friends. You could even roll out a red carpet and ask guests to dress in their most glam outfits to give the party a movie premiere edge. Enlist a parent to take on the role of a paparazzi-style photographer at the beginning of the evening to document the best dressed, and your teen will feel like a million dollars.</p><h2 data-header-link="17th Birthday Ideas For Families">17th Birthday Ideas For Families</h2><p>Looking to keep things in the family for your teen's 17th birthday party? Just because the guests are all family members doesn't mean that things have to be boring, these fun ways to celebrate are the best for family occasions.</p><p>16. A games night is the perfect choice for some old-fashioned birthday family fun. Collect a range of board games to play and cook up some tasty snacks to munch on while you get stuck in. One of our favorite 17th birthday ideas at home, this simple party idea will be one that your teen will treasure once they're a little bit older. If your teen is looking for something grown-up and glamorous, then this might take some persuading, but trust us, there's something to be said for low-key family fun over a high-pressure party.</p><p>17. It might make a birthday feel even more special to skip the party altogether and book an overnight in a fancy hotel. Take a trip to NYC, and have a day of playing tourists. Teens will love a trip to the totally instagrammable Color Factory, and you can make it the ultimate fancy day trip with afternoon tea at Bergdorf Goodman's BG's and a wander through Central Park. This is bound to give your teen a 17th year to remember, and offer them a sense of maturity that a party just can't cater for. </p><p>If you found these fun 17th birthday ideas for girls and boys helpful, then why not take a look at our ideas on [how to save money for teens] and [hobbies for teens] that they might not have tried?</p><p>‍</p>

Celebrate your 17th in style with our great party ideas.

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Check out these awesome 17th birthday ideas for all different kinds of teens that are going to make their 17th totally sweet. 

17 Amazing 17th Birthday Ideas For All Kinds Of Teens 

Teenager reading by lake while on a family holiday.

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Staycations are a popular choice this summer. Read on for our picks of the best family holidays with teenagers in the UK that you won’t want to miss out on!

9 Family Holidays With Teenagers In The UK That They Will Actually Like

<p>Parenting teens is a totally daunting task. </p><p>There are so many times they do something or other and all of our carefully meditated plans go out the window. It's safe to say that teenagers can be some of the hardest people to get along with, but sometimes they're just a downright joy.</p><p>It can be difficult working out what happened to our cuddly little kids who wanted to share everything with us. How did they suddenly turn into secretive, grumpy balls of emotion that barely grunt us a 'hello' in the morning? Navigating that shift in your relationship is never easy, and to put it bluntly, at times teens can be totally awful. Adolescence is a time that involves a lot of stress and emotion, and there are going to be times where they're lovely, loving, and sweet, and other times when you just want to close the door and hide away from your parenting duties. Why not check out our article on <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/your-teen-traveler-preparing-them-for-their-first-big-trip" target="_blank">how to help your teen traveler</a> or this think piece all about what to do if your <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/teen-shoplifter-what-to-do-when-your-child-starts-stealing" target="_blank">teen starts shoplifting</a>.</p><p>‍</p><h2 data-header-link="Surviving The Teenage Years">Surviving The Teenage Years </h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:640px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/609a3fd2b09f747f6630a75f-surviving-the-teenage-years.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Parenting today's teens requires you to share quality experiences with your child." width="640" height="426" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_609a3fd2b09f747f6630a75f-surviving-the-teenage-years.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_609a3fd2b09f747f6630a75f-surviving-the-teenage-years.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/609a3fd2b09f747f6630a75f-surviving-the-teenage-years.jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p>There are tons of different problems that parents can experience when parenting today's teens. From arguments, to lack of communication, to trying to control boundaries and allow space for your child to experiment (without experimenting too much), it's an incredibly difficult few years to navigate even with the most well-behaved kids.</p><p>There are a few ways that we often make our lives harder without even realizing while parenting our teens. By having unrealistic expectations, asking for perfection, or setting harsh boundaries, we could be causing our children to want to rebel, and feel angry towards us. Being distant or not trying to understand their point of view can make them feel frustrated and more likely to go out of their way to disobey us. </p><p>Getting the balance right between being strict and supportive is a bit of an art form, and no parents get it right all of the time, but we have a few tips up our sleeves to make it a little easier for you.</p><h2 data-header-link="Step Parenting Teens">Step Parenting Teens</h2><p>Being a step-parent to a teen comes with all sorts of problems that can be tricky to manage. When do you step in and when is it best to stay out of things? </p><p>The most important advice we can give on step-parenting a teen is to stay on the same page as your partner. Support them in their role as parent, and you'll avoid anything getting between your relationship. </p><p>You're bound to be faced with the, 'You're not my real mom/dad!' argument, if only because your teen has probably seen it on TV and liked the drama that it brought. It can be tough to keep your cool but try not to take it personally. A lot of the time, this is just used as a power play so your teen can get their own way. </p><p>The best thing you can do for your teens when you are a step-parent is to understand why they might be saying something to you. Getting to the root of how they're feeling will help you to create a deeper relationship and find practical ways to support them, instead of clashing. At the end of the day, you shouldn't have to put up with being disrespected in your own home, and it's important to talk to your partner about how you feel if your step-teen is making you feel bad on a regular basis.</p><h2 data-header-link="Books On Parenting Teens">Books On Parenting Teens</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:640px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/609a3fe50a70f68df9f29deb-books-on-parenting-teens.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Books offer practical wisdom for parents who want to enjoy being the parents of teens." width="640" height="426" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_609a3fe50a70f68df9f29deb-books-on-parenting-teens.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_609a3fe50a70f68df9f29deb-books-on-parenting-teens.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/609a3fe50a70f68df9f29deb-books-on-parenting-teens.jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p>Books about active parenting of teens can be some of the most helpful resources for creating positive relationships when parenting today's teens. These are some of our favorite parenting books that tackle all the tough questions that parents might have about parenting teenagers and creating a deeper relationship with your child.</p><p>'Blame My Brain' by Nicola Morgan is a wonderful book that helps parents understand the neurological changes going on for their teens during these formative years.</p><p>'How To Talk So Teens Will Listen' by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish is full of practical wisdom for parents who are struggling with parenting today's teens and getting their kids to listen.</p><p>For parents of teenage girls, Peggy Orenstein's book 'Girls And Sex' is full of good parenting teens tips to help you get on the same page in today's culture.</p><p>'Get Out Of My Life (But First, Take Me And Alex Into Town)' by Tony Wolf and Suzanne Franks is a lot of parents' favorite book when it comes to understanding teen culture and how to deal with our kids over the teenage years. It helps that it's full of humor and anecdotes from raw and real messy families. </p><h2 data-header-link="Parenting Teens In Trouble">Parenting Teens In Trouble</h2><p>Parenting today's teens is one thing, but parenting teenage trouble can be a whole different story. We've got some practical ways to deal with parenting when your teen is involved in aspects of modern culture that you would much prefer they avoid. </p><p>When teens are struggling with substance abuse, mental health problems, or behavioral issues, then it's important to talk to a specialist and get support. These kinds of issues can get out of hand very quickly and can be an incredibly difficult experience for any family, so it's important to seek practical ways you can help your child.</p><p>Connect with your teen. This can feel daunting and scary when you feel like your teen has become someone you barely recognize but taking time to connect with your teens and understand their experience can be one of the best ways to harbor a deeper relationship and support your teens through these challenging years.</p><p>Help your teens to reframe the situation. Teens are a nightmare at the best of times because they tend to be quite insular, and often selfish, in their opinions and ideas. Helping them to see a bigger picture and understand how their actions have impacted their relationships with other friends or members of your family can spark them to think about things differently and hopefully start acting differently too.</p><p>Taking care of yourself probably sounds like a low priority when your teen is battling with bigger issues, but it's important to make sure you are supported in your parenting, and you look after your physical and mental health. If you are exhausted or burnt out, it'll be much harder to support your teen, it's a bit like putting your life jacket on before you put on someone else's.</p><p>It's so important to recognize any signs that your teens are in serious trouble or danger, and knowing what to look out for is vital in good parenting. When teens are acting out it's important for parents to take a look at any underlying issues that might need to be addressed.</p><h2 data-header-link="Parenting Tips For Teens">Parenting Tips For Teens</h2><p>If you're looking for help parenting teens in a confusing culture, don't worry, these tips and tricks might make things that little bit easier.</p><p>Get to know your teen's culture. It sounds obvious, but often parents will avoid learning about the things their teens are into because they're simply so different to what we care about. Being curious about your teen's world will allow parents to create a deeper relationship, and even if your teen feels like it's embarrassing, they will be grateful that you're taking the time to get to know them.</p><p>Be accepting. Sometimes parents will be hit with a curveball from their teens. Their views, ideas, and sense of identity might end up being quite different from what you expected. The most important parenting tip we can give during these crucial years is to make sure our kids know that we are always on their side and are there to support them, no matter what. This will allow them to come to us with worries and questions and create a sense of trust that will help you get through even the toughest times.</p><p>Stay present. When parenting today's teens, one of the best things we can do is be present parents. Even though they might act as though they don't really want you around, teens actually need their parents to be present with them far more than younger kids do.</p><p>Spend time together every day. If you can create a time that you spend with your teen every day, that will make parenting a lot easier and more enjoyable. Creating a routine around breakfast, lunch, or dinner where you engage with your teen and ask them about their life will allow you to stay in the loop and have a real positive effect on these tough years.</p><p>Honor your promises to your teens. The best way to create a good relationship with your teens is to keep the promises you make. If your teen comes home asking you not to share their deepest secret, then the worst thing that can happen is them overhearing you sharing that secret with your partner or a friend, no matter how trivial it actually is. If you want to share something with another family member or a friend that you think could help, your first approach should be to ask your child for their permission. This is going to help them feel so much safer coming to you with worries in the future.</p><p>Be respectful. Yes, sometimes your teen will act silly and do dumb stuff, but as parents, we need to respect the process of our teens becoming their own people. These years are some of the most important years for our teens to work out who they are and what they stand for. Whether they are 13 or 16 or beyond, on the days we find them difficult to understand, it's important that parents try to respect that their teens are discovering who they are. </p><p>If you found this parenting article helpful, then why not take a look at how our discussion of <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/social-media-and-self-esteem-how-to-help-your-teens" target="_blank">social media and self-esteem</a> or <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/amazing-17th-birthday-ideas-for-all-kinds-of-teens" target="_blank">our best 17th birthday ideas</a>?</p><p>‍</p>

Parenting teens comes with some tough times, and some amazing times.

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Find practical wisdom for parents on how to go about parenting today's teens when things just aren't the same as when we were young.

Parenting Today's Teens: The Troubles And The Joys

<p>Have you just found out your teenager is shoplifting? Or perhaps you have good reason to suspect.</p><p>It’s natural to feel a wave of emotions in this scenario, and it’s easy to blame yourself for your child’s wrongdoing. Knowing the reasons why teenagers shoplift and what you can do about it can help to remediate the situation.</p><p>Perhaps you’ve noticed plenty of new expensive items which can’t be explained, or worse, the cops have given you a call to say you’re teen has been caught red-handed. It might feel like every parent’s worst nightmare, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your child is on the road to criminality. In fact, research shows as much as 25% of arrested shoplifters are in their teens. Shoplifting may be common, but it does not mean tackling the issue should be avoided. So, what can you do about this risky behavior, and what consequences can you give? We have compiled everything about teenage shoplifters in one place so you can find out what would work best for you and your family.</p><p>We also have plenty of other articles relating to teenagers, such as supporting a <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/your-teen-traveler-preparing-them-for-their-first-big-trip" target="_blank">teen traveler</a> or exploring <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/social-media-and-self-esteem-how-to-help-your-teens" target="_blank">social media and self-esteem</a>.</p><p>‍</p><h2 data-header-link="Why Do Teenagers Shoplift?">Why Do Teenagers Shoplift? </h2><p>When asked why they committed an act of shoplifting, many teens respond with 'I don’t know'. In many cases, research says the reasons as to why do teens shoplift fall into three main categories. The first is they went to steal something just for the thrill and buzz of stealing. The second reason is due to peer pressure, the result of a 'dare', or to achieve social status. The third primary reason for shoplifting is because they wanted an item they are forbidden to have or cannot afford from the store. This might be alcohol, cigarettes, or expensive makeup. Another element to consider is hormonal changes in the teenage brain, such as poor impulse control. Naturally, it could also be a combination of these factors, and of course, we must not neglect deeper reasons such as emotional unhappiness, low self-esteem or stress, and bullying. </p><h2 data-header-link="What To Do If Your Child Is Caught Shoplifting?">What To Do If Your Child Is Caught Shoplifting? </h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:640px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/60890759b2ee0430876016f7-what-to-do-if-your-child-is-caught-shoplifting.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Have a serious conversation with your teen about the implications for stealing" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_60890759b2ee0430876016f7-what-to-do-if-your-child-is-caught-shoplifting.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_60890759b2ee0430876016f7-what-to-do-if-your-child-is-caught-shoplifting.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/60890759b2ee0430876016f7-what-to-do-if-your-child-is-caught-shoplifting.jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p>If you are sure your teen is stealing or has been caught stealing, it’s time for a serious conversation and consideration of the shoplifting consequence. It’s important they understand why going to steal anything is wrong and that ultimately someone will pay the price, whether it is them personally or the store who will make a loss on their takings. It’s a good start to try your best to understand why your child has done this and examine their logic. They might feel a sense of entitlement towards the item they stole or a strong sense of competition within their social circle. You could even ask them to write an essay about what led up to the event to understand further their motivation. For example, if they want expensive things, you might want to encourage them to take up a part-time job. Understanding the motivation will help guide you accordingly.</p><p>Remember shouting, yelling, and being aggressive towards your teen, regardless of how upset you may be feeling, will not resolve the situation or change the behavior.</p><p> If it’s the first time you are dealing with a teen caught stealing, one option is to encourage them to return the stolen items to the retailers and try to make financial amends. Many businesses will accept an apology and not press charges. This level of owning up to their actions also provides a level of accountability that will prevent them from stealing again. You may wish to serve an additional consequence, such as forbidding them to go to the shopping mall again for two weeks, and then give them a chance to earn your trust back.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:640px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/60890774a8e07826a4cf2680-consequences-of-shoplifting.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="You may wish to consider forbidding them to go back to the mall for a period of time as a consequence." width="640" height="427" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_60890774a8e07826a4cf2680-consequences-of-shoplifting.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_60890774a8e07826a4cf2680-consequences-of-shoplifting.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/60890774a8e07826a4cf2680-consequences-of-shoplifting.jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p>One of the best things you can do as a parent is to explain that the risks are beyond your control. You could say something like, 'This is beyond what I can help with, I cannot protect you, and you are putting yourself at risk'. You can also explain to them the sense of betrayal you feel and the value of trust. </p><h2 data-header-link="Consequences Of Shoplifting">Consequences Of Shoplifting </h2><p>In many cases of teenage shoplifting, the fact your teen was caught stealing acts as enough of a deterrent to prevent them from doing it again. &nbsp;However, your teen’s age will play a part in deciding which consequence to serve. For younger teens, some shoplifting consequences for minors could be sending them to their room with a heavy chat about what happened. Remember to focus on the child comprehending the impact of their actions instead of them just saying sorry and accepting it right away. The volume and frequency of what was stolen is also a factor to consider. For example, if your teen stole a large sum of money, the police should be involved. It may also be that the point of being arrested is when you find out about it, so police involvement is out of your hands.</p><p>Persistent shoplifting at age 15 and over could be a sign of a conduct disorder and require therapeutic intervention. As teens grow older and develop, so does their ability to process consequences. They need to understand that stealing can lead to far more significant implications than being grounded at home or withdrawing a mobile. Explain that the severity of their actions can lead to juvenile detention centers and a criminal history that may flag up future checks. </p><p>In most states, teens can be criminally charged, and the retailers have their rights reserved to retrieve any financial damages through civil court proceedings. Generally speaking, court cases involving first-time offenders are usually remanded to teen courts or a juvenile conference committee. In these cases, teen volunteers work on real cases involving teenage offenders. The overarching aim of any teen court is to provide the offender with a second chance. They might be asked to make amends with the store owner, commit to community service, or be issued a fine for the actions.</p><p>Whilst stealing is by no means a rite of passage, it is not always a serious cry for help. However, if stealing is a repeated behavior, or in combination with any other behaviors such as failing grades or substance abuse, a psychological assessment will help understand if this is a cry for help within your teen and how you can help.</p><p>If you found this article helpful, why not check out our examination of <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/types-of-behavior-according-to-psychology-which-are-you" target="_blank">types of behavior</a> or <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/what-are-the-main-types-of-consequences-for-children-that-are-misbehaving" target="_blank">types of consequences and what works for different children</a>?</p><p>‍</p>

With teen shoplifters, there may be both family consequences and legal consequences.

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It can be a challenging time as a parent to know how to manage a teen shoplifter, here's all you need to know about how to navigate this behavior

Teen Shoplifter: What To Do When Your Child Starts Stealing

<p>From Adidas addicts to Nike fanatics, teenagers love trainers; it's just one of those facts of life. </p><p>That's especially true for sporty teens. So if you have someone in your life who's rarely seen sans sneakers, and who has a birthday or other special event coming up, why not whip up this impressive trainer cake? </p><p>It would go down great at a party featuring these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-recreate-a-sporting-event-in-your-garden" target="_blank">at-home sports day events</a> or a quiz using these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/best-sports-facts-for-kids">sports facts</a>.</p><p>This is overall quite a simple recipe, but it does have some tricky bits, so we recommend reading it all the way through before you begin. </p><p>On your marks, get set... go! </p><h2 data-header-link="You Will Need">You Will Need</h2><p><strong>Equipment: </strong>Palette knife, rolling pin, scalpel, large mixing bowl, large rectangular cake tin, baking paper, printer with paper, scissors. </p><p><strong>Cake Ingredients:</strong></p><p>225g caster sugar</p><p>225g unsalted butter</p><p>225g self-raising flour</p><p>4 large eggs</p><p>2 tbsp cocoa powder</p><p>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</p><p>1 tsp baking powder</p><p>2 tbsp milk</p><p>Chocolate chips (if desired) </p><p><strong>Decorating Ingredients:</strong></p><p>Buttercream (pre-made or homemade by beating 600g sifted icing sugar with 300g unsalted room temp butter)</p><p>Ready-to-roll fondant in the colours of the shoe you are trying to recreate </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1024px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f7335cecca9b194ff15eda7-sports-themed-party-balloons.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Balloons and decorations at a sports themed birthday party." width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f7335cecca9b194ff15eda7-sports-themed-party-balloons.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f7335cecca9b194ff15eda7-sports-themed-party-balloons.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f7335cecca9b194ff15eda7-sports-themed-party-balloons.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f7335cecca9b194ff15eda7-sports-themed-party-balloons.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f7335cecca9b194ff15eda7-sports-themed-party-balloons.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="How To Make A Trainer Cake Base">How To Make A Trainer Cake Base</h2><p>For our cake base, we'll whip up a chocolate sponge cake. </p><p>1) Heat your oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5, then grease and line your two rectangular cake tins. </p><p>2) Beat together the caster sugar, butter, eggs, self-raising flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla extract, milk and a pinch of salt. Throw in some chocolate chips if you want it extra chocolatey. </p><p>3) Pour the cake mix into a tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool for another 10 minutes. </p><h2 data-header-link="How To Sculpt And Decorate Your Trainer Cake">How To Sculpt And Decorate Your Trainer Cake</h2><p>We're now going to stack the two cakes (and add a frosting filling), then carve them into the shape of a trainer, and cover them with fondant icing to create the final look. </p><p>The carving part might sound a bit intimidating. We do not recommend trying to achieve this freehand with a knife. Instead, use templates: search for a picture of the trainer you're trying to recreate from a direct sideways angle, copy it into a word document and stretch it out to full A4 size. Then find the shape of a sole and do the same thing, making sure the pictures are roughly the same size. Finally, get an image of the shoe from a bird's eye view. Print these out and cut around the shapes.</p><p>Now back to the recipe...</p><p>1) Cut your cake in half longways down the centre, and use a palette knife to cover the top of one half in buttercream. Stack the other half on top of it. Freeze the cakes for 20 minutes so the sponge is easier to cut. </p><p>2) Get your template of the trainer from a side angle and place it against the side of your cake. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut around it, then transfer it to the other side of the cake and even it out a little more. </p><p>3) Place your sole template on top of the cake, and again cut around it. Then cut out a small hole where the foot would go. It should now be starting to look like a shoe cake! </p><p>4) Use a palette knife to cover the entire cake in a thin layer of buttercream (this is called the "crumb coat" and helps the fondant to stick). Freeze the cake for another 10 minutes. </p><p>5) Roll out the fondant icing in the colours you need to make your running shoe look. The biggest sheet will of course be whatever the main colour of the trainer is. Drape this entirely over the running shoe cake and gently press down with your hands (including in your 'foot hole), using a knife to cut off any excess icing. </p><p>6) Now it's time to use more fondant to stylise the top of the cake. Use your bird's eye picture for reference, playing it on top of your cake and gently using a knife to mark out where any lines or other features should go. This may include adding extra layers in your base colour to add height, for example along the tongue and along the sole, and doing small strips of other colours. The templates are your friends! Use them to lay over the top of your fondant and make scoring marks through, to get more precise detailing. To stick fondant to fondant, brush the bottom layer with a little water. </p><p>7) Use grey fondant with scoring marks put into it for the inside of the shoe hole, as the fondant may not be sitting properly. </p><p>8) Logos (such as the Adidas logo or the Nike tick) will be incredibly hard to recreate yourself; the best thing is to order an edible sheet you can apply with a little water.</p><p>Your cake is now born to run!</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f7336299b62e152ce116538-sports-cake-with-football-cake-topper.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="A birthday cake with a large fondant football on top, perfect for sport loving tweens and teens." width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f7336299b62e152ce116538-sports-cake-with-football-cake-topper.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f7336299b62e152ce116538-sports-cake-with-football-cake-topper.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f7336299b62e152ce116538-sports-cake-with-football-cake-topper.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f7336299b62e152ce116538-sports-cake-with-football-cake-topper.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f7336299b62e152ce116538-sports-cake-with-football-cake-topper.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Good To Know">Good To Know</h2><p>This cake serves 12-14 people. We estimate it will take 2.5 hours to make, allowing time for prepping, cooling and freezing the sponges, icing and decorating.</p><p>It will last for 3 days if covered at room temperature. Any longer, and cakes should be placed uncovered in the fridge for 15 minutes, then covered in plastic. </p><p>The cake can be wrapped in clingfilm and frozen for up to three months, although we don't recommend freezing the fondant decorations in case of cracking or other damage (you could still make the sponge well in advance and freeze it). </p><p>Alternative ingredients for those with allergies are easy to find and substitute into the recipe. You can even use a gluten free alternative to flour such as spelt if you wish.</p><p>If carving and shaping a running shoe cake sounds too complicated you can use ready to roll fondant icing to make a small fondant trainer that can be placed on the top of a basic sponge cake instead. This is a great, simple alternative that will save busy parents lots of time. Don't forget to add the logo of your child's favourite trainer brand; whether that be Nike or Adidas or something else!</p>

A display of cakes and snacks at a sports themed birthday party.

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Teenagers and tweens are sure to love this trendy trainer cake recipe. Learn how to make a trainer cake with these easy instructions.

How To Make A Trainer Cake For Sports Fans

<p>Do you have a Fortnite-addicted youngster in the house? </p><p>You're sure to chock up some cool points by baking a Fortnite birthday cake. Below we've got some Fortnite birthday cake ideas of varying difficulty for you to make. </p><p>Fortnite is a wildly popular video game that was released in 2017. Players work together or compete to fight zombies, scavenge food or equipment, and complete missions. There are three games: Fortnite: Save the World, Fortnite Battle Royale, and Fortnite Creative. It's so popular because of its detailed universes, excellent graphics/gameplay, and multiplayer element.</p><p>You could also get children from ages 10 to 18 involved with any of these recipes, especially if they know the game well and can give you tips on the design. Why not treat them to some hilarious <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/the-best-hilarious-video-game-jokes-for-kids" target="_blank">video game jokes</a> and get involved in some great <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/nine-fun-family-games-to-play-on-facetime-and-other-apps" target="_blank">app-based games</a> afterwards?<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Ingredients">Ingredients </h2><p><strong>Basic Ingredients:</strong></p><p>225g self-raising flour, 225 g caster sugar, 225g room-temperature unsalted butter, 2 tsp baking powder, 4 eggs, 6 drops vanilla extract, 2 tsp milk, buttercream.</p><p><strong>Toppings:</strong></p><p>Ready-to-roll fondant icing in various colours, buttercream, cake toppers. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f732dac8372e841475cc989-young-child-holding-game-controller-remote-playing-fortnite.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Close up of a child holding a games console controller, playing Fortnite." width="1200" height="801" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f732dac8372e841475cc989-young-child-holding-game-controller-remote-playing-fortnite.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f732dac8372e841475cc989-young-child-holding-game-controller-remote-playing-fortnite.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f732dac8372e841475cc989-young-child-holding-game-controller-remote-playing-fortnite.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f732dac8372e841475cc989-young-child-holding-game-controller-remote-playing-fortnite.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f732dac8372e841475cc989-young-child-holding-game-controller-remote-playing-fortnite.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Equipment">Equipment </h2><p>A large mixing bowl, cake tins, rolling pin, sharp knife, parchment paper. </p><h2 data-header-link="Easy Fortnite Cake Tutorial">Easy Fortnite Cake Tutorial</h2><p>1) &nbsp;Preheat your oven to 160C/140C fan and line two round cake tins with parchment paper. </p><p>2) Bake a vanilla or chocolate sponge cake, using the 'basic ingredients' above. Start by sifting the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Mix in all the other ingredients one at a time until fully combined. </p><p>3) Divide the mix between two cake tins and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. </p><p>4) Allow to cool for 10 minutes, transfer to a wire rack and cool for another 10 minutes. </p><p>5) Use a knife to flatten the tops of both sponges, as they have likely risen in the middle. Spread homemade or store-bought buttercream on top of both cakes, as well as along the sides, creating even layers. </p><p>6) Place one cake on top of the other. </p><p>7) Roll out ready-to-roll green icing. Gently place it completely over your two-layer cake, using a knife to cut off any excess and using your hands to smooth the top and around the sides.</p><p>8) Buy or make green buttercream (to make, beat 600g sifted icing sugar and 300g butter together with green food colouring and 2-3 tablespoons of boiling water) and add it to a piping bag. Pipe blobs of green buttercream all over the top of the cake, to create a grassy effect.</p><p>9) We did say this was an easy<strong> </strong>cake. And the easiest way to complete the Fortnite look is to buy a selection of Fortnite cake decorations/Fortnite cake toppers (there are tonnes available online) and place them artfully around your grass. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f732d8d6587b15f777b45ff-kids-at-birthday-party-eating-easy-fortnite-cake.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Three kids at a birthday party sat eating a slice of Fortnite cake." width="1200" height="900" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f732d8d6587b15f777b45ff-kids-at-birthday-party-eating-easy-fortnite-cake.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f732d8d6587b15f777b45ff-kids-at-birthday-party-eating-easy-fortnite-cake.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f732d8d6587b15f777b45ff-kids-at-birthday-party-eating-easy-fortnite-cake.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f732d8d6587b15f777b45ff-kids-at-birthday-party-eating-easy-fortnite-cake.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f732d8d6587b15f777b45ff-kids-at-birthday-party-eating-easy-fortnite-cake.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Fortnite Battle Bus Cake Tutorial">Fortnite Battle Bus Cake Tutorial</h2><p>The Fortnite Battle Bus is an iconic part of the series, dropping players off as they begin their missions. This is a slightly trickier Fortnite cake to make, requiring a lot of ready-to-roll icing.</p><p>1) &nbsp;Search for a picture of the Battle Bus so you know exactly what you're trying to recreate. The main features you want to create are the blue bus, the black windows and doors, the yellow pipe along the front, the red and yellow lights on the front, and the white and blue balloon on the top. </p><p>2) Bake a vanilla or chocolate sponge cake, per the above recipe, but use rectangular cake tins. </p><p>3) Roll out a large piece of blue fondant icing and cover your rectangular, two-layer cake in it.</p><p>4) Now's the time to consult your picture, and prepare rolled-out sheets of icing in the colours you need. Use a sharp knife to cut them into the relevant sizes, and brush with a small bit of water to stick onto the blue bus. </p><p>5) The biggest challenge will be the balloon; in the game, this would be hovering above the bus, but since this would be exceedingly difficult on a cake, we suggest moulding a chunk of white icing and placing it on top of a black square of icing. Use toothpicks to keep in place if needed.</p><h2 data-header-link="Fortnite Llama Cake">Fortnite Llama Cake</h2><p>Llama Pinatas are the "loot boxes" in Fortnite. This cake is perhaps the hardest Fortnite cake ideas to make, but will be very rewarding when complete!</p><p>1) Bake two sponge cakes, per the recipes above, in square tins. Create a two-layer sponge with buttercream in the middle. </p><p>2) Print out a Fortnite llama template. You can search for these online, but you need to make sure the size you print roughly corresponds to the size you want your cake to be (it can be slightly larger as you will be cutting out your cake in pieces). </p><p>3) Cut your printed paper to shape, and then place on top of the two-layer cake. Use a sharp knife to cut around the shape. Since there will be excess, you can do the head and body separately and connect them after. </p><p>4) Position your llama's head and body so they fit together and cover the entire cake in buttercream. Chill in fridge for 25 mins, then add another layer of buttercream.</p><p>5) Roll out purple, dark blue and light blue fondant icing, and cut numerous strips that you can layer over each other to create a Pinata effect all over the cake. </p><p>6) Roll out white, brown, black and grey fondant and cut them to shape to place on the cake, adding eyes and an arrow on the side. </p><h2 data-header-link="Good To Know">Good To Know</h2><p>It will take at least two and a half hours to prep your ingredients, bake the cake, let it cool, decorate and clear up. It should serve 12 slices. </p><p>Kids of any age can enjoy eating these birthday cakes! </p><p>The Fortnite cakes sponge recipe is simple, so swapping ingredients for a gluten free or dairy free option is very easy. There are many alternatives available so you can use whichever you like. For cake decorating, you can buy vegan buttercream.</p><p>If you're making the cake a few days ahead of time, an iced cake will be fine at room temperature for three days as long as you cover it an overturned Tupperware/bowl. For more than 3 days, place it in the fridge for 15 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap. Before serving, let it adjust to room temperature for 30 minutes. </p><p>If you want to freeze any of these cakes, it's best to freeze the undecorated layers and do the decorating closer to the time. </p>

Mum and son in the kitchen making a Fortnite birthday cake together.

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Our detailed guide on how to make a Fortnite cake, perfect for celebrating the birthday of the gamers and Fortnite fans in your life.

How To Make A Fortnite Cake That Kids And Teens Will Love

<p>Whether the youngster in your life is a Ferrari fanatic or a Lamborghini lover, car birthday cakes always look awesome. </p><p>Below you'll find three easy yet impressive, delicious car cake ideas to try. Kids, teens and adults will all be racing to get another slice!</p><p>For a car-themed party or activity afternoon, once you know how to make a car birthday cake, why not check out our guide to making an <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-make-an-origami-car" target="_blank">origami car</a> or <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/toy-car-activities" target="_blank">toy car games</a>? </p><h2 data-header-link="Ingredients">Ingredients</h2><p><strong>For The Sponge Base:</strong></p><p>275g self-raising flour, 275 g caster sugar, 275g room-temperature unsalted butter, 2 tsp baking powder, 4 eggs, 6 drops vanilla extract, 2 tsp milk. </p><p><strong>For Toppings:</strong></p><p>Buttercream (pre-made or homemade), ready-to-roll fondant icing in your desired colours, decorations. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f7341915cfd1ce2fc1c347a-chocolate-cake-with-ca-truck-on-top.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Chocolate cake with a yellow toy car digger on it shovelling sweeties." width="1200" height="900" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f7341915cfd1ce2fc1c347a-chocolate-cake-with-ca-truck-on-top.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f7341915cfd1ce2fc1c347a-chocolate-cake-with-ca-truck-on-top.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f7341915cfd1ce2fc1c347a-chocolate-cake-with-ca-truck-on-top.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f7341915cfd1ce2fc1c347a-chocolate-cake-with-ca-truck-on-top.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f7341915cfd1ce2fc1c347a-chocolate-cake-with-ca-truck-on-top.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Equipment">Equipment</h2><p>Two large rectangular or round cake tins, parchment paper, wooden spoon, large mixing bowl, sharp knife, rolling pin, cake smoother (for buttercream and fondant icing), piping bags.</p><h2 data-header-link="How To Make A Simple Car Cake">How To Make A Simple Car Cake</h2><p>If creating a car shaped cake is a bit complex for you, try out the simple racing track cake. </p><p>1) Mix up your basic sponge base (ingredients above), and pour into two round<strong> </strong>cake tins.</p><p>2) Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool for 10 minutes, place on a wire rack and cool for another 15 minutes. </p><p>3) Use a knife to cut the tops of the two cakes so they have flat surfaces. Put a layer of buttercream over one cake, then place the other cake on top. Now cover the top of the new cake and the sides of the two-layer cake in buttercream. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes, then add another layer of buttercream. </p><p>4) Roll out some black fondant icing and cover your entire cake in it, using a knife to cut off any excess and your hands to smooth it down. </p><p>5) Now you need two piping bags filled with black and white buttercream. Alternating colours, create a circle around the outside of the top of the cake, then, using a smaller round shape as a guide, create another ring inside. This should now look like the black and white edges of a racing track. </p><p>6) Use (or reuse) a piping bag filled with green buttercream and use it within the centre of the small circle to create the look of a grassy area. </p><p>7) Finish with a couple of small car figurings on top, edible or otherwise. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f73426f563b911d64f76786-disney-car-cake-lightning-mcqueen.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Red car cake that looks like Disney's 'Cars' character Lightning McQueen." width="1200" height="900" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f73426f563b911d64f76786-disney-car-cake-lightning-mcqueen.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f73426f563b911d64f76786-disney-car-cake-lightning-mcqueen.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f73426f563b911d64f76786-disney-car-cake-lightning-mcqueen.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f73426f563b911d64f76786-disney-car-cake-lightning-mcqueen.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f73426f563b911d64f76786-disney-car-cake-lightning-mcqueen.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="How To Make A Lightning McQueen Birthday Cake">How To Make A Lightning McQueen Birthday Cake</h2><p>The cheeky main character from the film 'Cars' makes a great Disney Cars cake. Since there are quite a few details, it's all the better if you get a young fan of the film to help you out. </p><p>1) Preheat your oven to 160C/140C fan. Mix your sponge base ingredients (listed above) vigorously in a bowl, starting by sifting the flour and baking powder and then adding the other components. </p><p>2) Split the mix across two large rectangular cake tins lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. </p><p>3) Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes, transfer to a wire rack and cool for another 10 minutes. </p><p>4) Search for a picture of Lightning McQueen online so you can copy the basic shape. You will be stacking the two cakes and then cutting them to form the shape of a car. Using a sharp knife, round off the corners of one cake, and cut the other one in half. Take the halved cake and use your knife to form the slopes of the front and back windshield, then place it on top of the other cake. </p><p>5) Take the leftovers and add extra dimension on the front and back of the car (using the picture for reference). </p><p>6) Cover your cake in a thin layer of buttercream. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes, add another layer, and leave for another 15 minutes. This should seal your two layers together, and will also help fondant icing stick to it. </p><p>7) Of course, now the car needs to turn red. Take plenty of ready-to-roll red fondant icing and roll it out on a clean surface (a little icing sugar will stop it sticking). Place it entirely over your cake/car, smoothing it gently down with your hands and using a knife to cut any excess off. You can also buy a cake smoother for an extra slick finish. </p><p>8) You now have a plain red car shape, and it's up to you how much detail you add on top of this. For the decoration, you could buy edible cake stickers to make the decorating extra easy, or cut out more fondant icing into shapes and use a little water to stick it onto your red outer layer. </p><p>Your Lightning McQueen Cake is ready to ride!</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f73429fc605cb94cef97392-car-shaped-cake-with-sweeties.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Cake in the shape of a red car with sweeties decorating it on top." width="1200" height="900" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f73429fc605cb94cef97392-car-shaped-cake-with-sweeties.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f73429fc605cb94cef97392-car-shaped-cake-with-sweeties.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f73429fc605cb94cef97392-car-shaped-cake-with-sweeties.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f73429fc605cb94cef97392-car-shaped-cake-with-sweeties.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f73429fc605cb94cef97392-car-shaped-cake-with-sweeties.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="How To Make A Police Car Cake">How To Make A Police Car Cake</h2><p>... Follow almost all of the instructions above! Copy the police car shape when you cut out your sponge shapes so they mimic a police car rather than a racing car birthday cake. </p><p>Instead of red, cover your cake in white fondant. Add the police car detailing using cut out fondant pieces in yellow, blue, orange and grey. </p><p>The general principle can also be used to make any general racing car cake/sports car cake/Ferrari cake. If you're making the cake for a teenager, you could also customise it to look like their own car. Remember to include any specific features in the car cake decorations; dents, dodgy wing mirrors, scratches and all! </p><h2 data-header-link="Good To Know">Good To Know</h2><p>If you want to make a chocolate cake, simply swap the vanilla extract for 60g cocoa powder in the basic sponge recipe. You can also add chocolate chips, or really any other ingredients you like at this stage. </p><p>Alternatively, make a gluten or dairy free base by searching for appropriate substitutions. </p><p>These cakes should feed around 10 people, but you can scale up the ingredients if you need a bigger cake. </p><p>This car cake is suitable for all ages but be careful not to give younger kids too much sugar!</p><p>The cake will last for 3 days if covered at room temperature. Any longer, and cakes should be placed uncovered in the fridge for 15 minutes, then covered in plastic. </p><p>It's best not to freeze the cake decorations as they may get damaged, but the sponge base (before decorating) is fine to freeze for up to three months.</p>

Mum and daughter in the kitchen baking a car cake together.

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Our step-by-step guide on how to make a car cake that's simple but wheely impressive! These car cakes are so cool, kids of all ages will want one.

How To Make A Car Cake That Kids And Teens Will Love

<p><em>Image © iStock</em><br></p><p><strong>UPDATE:&nbsp;25 September 2020. Plans to resume weekly Parkruns have now been scrapped, following tighter lockdown restrictions.</strong></p><p>If you’re starting to find you’re spending a little bit too much time on the couch, then salvation is at hand. Parkrun, and Junior Parkrun, will return in October.<br></p><p>For those not in the known, Parkrun is a community fitness event that happens every weekend all over the country (and overseas). It’s a dead simple idea: just turn up to a nearby Parkrun event and jog or walk the same course as lots of other people. The community spirit makes it much more fun than a solitary jog around the block, and many people return week in, week out.&nbsp;</p><p>At the start of this year, over 1,000 local Parkruns, and 340 Junior Parkruns, were operating weekly around the UK. Adults turn up on Saturday to tackle a 5km course, while Sunday Junior Parkrun events are 2km, and aimed at kids aged 4 to 14.</p><p>That all stopped in March when lockdown was declared. Although we were all encouraged to get out exercising, Parkruns disbanded because of their communal nature. Now, the organisation which oversees the events has announced a return, set for late October. The renewed events will include the Junior Parkruns, so now is the time to get the kids back into ‘training’ for the big return.<br></p>

Mum and young daughter running together in the park.

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Parkrun, the weekly communal jog, is back in October.

Junior Parkrun Returns: Get The Kids In Training

<p>There’s never been a school year like it. Millions of children haven’t set foot in a classroom for half a year. The resumption of classes in September will feel like a fresh beginning, though one with lots of handwashing, social distancing and, for some, face masks.</p><h2>Who Should Return To School?</h2><p>You’ve probably worked this out by now, but <i>all school pupils</i> are expected back in class from September. The first sentence on the Government’s education page makes this crystal clear: “All pupils, in all year groups, will return to education full-time from the beginning of the autumn term.”&nbsp;</p><h2>Are Children At Risk?</h2><p>Debate has raged over this issue. According to the UK Government: “The Chief Medical Officers from all four nations in the United Kingdom have made it clear that the overall risks to children from coronavirus (COVID-19) in relation to education settings is low and that the risks associated with not being in school certainly outweigh those of being in school.” It may be that school staff members are more at risk from the resumption of classes than the pupils themselves. Schools are taking many measures to reduce that risk.</p><h2>How Will The School Day Be Different For My Kids?</h2><p><strong>Social distancing: </strong>This will probably be the most noticeable difference. Classrooms, dining rooms and other spaces will have been rearranged to keep pupils at least a metre apart. One-way systems will be in place for some schools. Pupils will also be asked to keep their distance in other settings wherever possible. (Teens: that includes ‘behind the bike sheds’.)</p><p><strong>‘Bubble’ will be a much-heard word</strong>: A key part of containing the virus is keeping groups of children separate from one another. Your child will likely be in a ‘bubble’ with their classmates (or year group in smaller schools), and will not mix so readily with children from other classes. How this works in practice will differ from school to school. You might find that start and end times differ (typically by 10-15 minutes per ‘bubble’), with allowances made for families who have children of different ages in the same school. Assemblies will be smaller, or done to multiple rooms via video link. Lunch times will be staggered to keep bubbles separate. No more Potions with the Slytherins for Harry Potter.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f4671c89d39efaf879940f8-school-thoughtful.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f4671c89d39efaf879940f8-school-thoughtful.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f4671c89d39efaf879940f8-school-thoughtful.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f4671c89d39efaf879940f8-school-thoughtful.jpeg 650w" sizes="100vw" width="650"></figure><p>Teaching assistants probably won't be doing this for the time being... Image from Pixels</p><p><strong>Expect more hand washing</strong>: Schools have been encouraged to promote good hygiene. Hand washing will become part of the daily routine (if it wasn’t already), and hand sanitisers will be abundantly available.</p><p><strong>Avoid sharing of stuff</strong>: No trading of football stickers or borrowing each other’s novels. Kids should only take the essentials into class and not pass items among classmates. No toys.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Non-contact sports</strong>: Games lessons will be a little more rigorous when it comes to social distancing and touching of surfaces. Expect more outdoor tennis and cross-country, and less rugby or Greco-Roman wrestling (was that just my school?). Where some contact is likely (e.g. football), the message about washing and cleaning thoroughly will be hammered home.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Breakfast and after-school clubs</strong>: In theory, these can also resume from 1 September. However, keeping children within their bubbles before and after regular classes may be a resource challenge for some schools. Not all will offer these services right away.</p><h2>How Will The School Day Be Different For Me, As A Parent?</h2><p>As already noted, the school day may be staggered for different age groups, to minimise contact between ‘bubbles’ (and, by implication, bubble-parents). So expect your usual drop-off/pick-up times to be subject to change.</p><p>Parents are also encouraged not to mingle in groups outside the school gates, nor to linger once we’ve collected our children. Most schools will not admit parents to the school grounds (or at least inside the buildings) without an appointment.</p><h2>What About Face Masks?</h2><p>The wearing, or not, of face masks has become a political hot potato. The situation has been in flux but now seems to have settled down to the following advice.</p><p>Most school pupils in England need not wear a face mask in any part of the school.</p><p>Schools may, at the headteacher’s own discretion, ask secondary school pupils (12+) to wear face coverings, but they are not legally obliged to do so.</p><p>Schools in areas of local lockdown will be asked to encourage the wearing of masks for older pupils and staff. These should be worn in indoor areas of mingling, such as corridors and communal areas. They are not deemed necessary in the classroom.</p><p>The rules for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may differ. Scotland and Northern Ireland have already announced that all secondary pupils should wear coverings in communal areas.</p><p>Older children will need to wear face masks if using public transport to get to school. Some dedicated school bus services will also require face coverings.</p><p>In short, it would be prudent to have a supply of masks for any child aged 12 or over. They may never need to wear them at school -- then again, they might.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f4672562b8c7a4d6214bc50-school-kids-microscope.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f4672562b8c7a4d6214bc50-school-kids-microscope.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f4672562b8c7a4d6214bc50-school-kids-microscope.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f4672562b8c7a4d6214bc50-school-kids-microscope.jpeg 650w" sizes="100vw" width="650"></figure><p>I hope that's been wiped down! Image from iStock</p><h2>Will School Close If There’s A Covid-19 Case?</h2><p>It depends on the circumstances. According to current guidance, an outbreak is declared if two or more confirmed cases are reported within 14 days. Action might also be taken in if the school sees a rise in pupils off sick with coronavirus symptoms, even if they’ve not yet been confirmed as positive for Covid-19.&nbsp;</p><p>Once an outbreak has been declared, a whole class or year group may be tested and potentially asked to isolate. According to the Government, “Whole school closure based on cases within the school will not generally be necessary, and should not be considered except on the advice of health protection teams". Note the “generally”, however. Your school may have to close if infection is rife, but it would be only as a last resort.</p><p>If pupils are asked to isolate, or if the whole school has to close for a time, then a home-working plan should be in place to make sure education continues.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Once again, we should emphasise that this information is subject to change, particularly if transmission rates increase. Always check the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-in-education/face-coverings-in-education" target="_blank" nofollow="nofollow">UK Government website</a> for the latest advice.</p><p>‍</p><p>To make the transition a little bit easier, download your own Back To School Checklist below.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f48f11744f6be7fac635360-back-to-school-checklist.png" alt="Back to school checklist" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f48f11744f6be7fac635360-back-to-school-checklist.png 156w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f48f11744f6be7fac635360-back-to-school-checklist.png 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f48f11744f6be7fac635360-back-to-school-checklist.png 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f48f11744f6be7fac635360-back-to-school-checklist.png 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f48f11744f6be7fac635360-back-to-school-checklist.png 1654w" sizes="100vw" width="1654"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>

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All school pupils are expected back in September. What’s changed?

How Will ‘Back To School’ Be Different?

<p>Results day is a stressful event for all involved, kids and parents alike.</p><p>Your child's results will determine what university they get into, and what path they can follow should they not receive what they were expecting. &nbsp;</p><p>But fear not! One third of students get their university place through Clearing, and although the experience can seem daunting, we're here to guide you through it.</p><h2 data-header-link="What Is Clearing?">What Is Clearing?</h2><p>Clearing is the process by which universities and colleges fill any available places on their courses.</p><p>Should a student not meet the entry requirement for their chosen course, or not receive an offer from a UK university, they are automatically entered into Clearing.</p><p>Clearing has been open from July 6th 2020, but your child won't be able to apply for any courses until they get their grades. The date on which they receive these varies depending on what qualification they've taken (see a little later in the article for exact dates). It closes on October 20th, so you and your child will have plenty of time to find a suitable place should you need one.</p><p>In the meantime, you can research which universities are offering Clearing courses and note down any options that your child would be interested in. You can then contact those universities directly on or after results day if your child's grades aren't what they expected, and if the course still has places.</p><p>UCAS have also introduced a new feature this year called Clearing Plus. If, on results day, your kid finds themselves automatically enrolled in Clearing, they'll be matched to both courses and universities according to their application. This will show on their UCAS Track. They can then get in contact with universities if they're interested, if they meet entry requirements, and if the course still has places.</p><h2 data-header-link="Will Coronavirus Affect Clearing 2020?">Will Coronavirus Affect Clearing 2020?</h2><p>As with most things, yes, the coronavirus pandemic will impact your child's results and may therefore determine whether or not they need to go through Clearing. </p><p>August's results will be based on estimated grades rather than summer exams. Final decisions will have been made by teacher assessments of the term-time performance of each student. This may affect a student's result either way.</p><p>As a result of coronavirus, the government placed a temporary cap on student numbers. Basically, only a pre-set number of new students were accepted during the main application cycle. This inevitably affects the number of places the university may make available during Clearing 2020.</p><h2 data-header-link="When Would Your Child Use Clearing?">When Would Your Child Use Clearing?</h2><p>There are a variety of instances in which your child would go through Clearing. These are:</p><p>-If they didn't get into either their firm or insurance choice universities, or didn't receive any offers - conditional or unconditional - when they first applied (before 30th June 2020).</p><p>-If they don't want the places they've been offered, and choose to self release into Clearing to look for alternative university places. Or, if they change their mind about the course to which they originally applied, and want to look for a different one.</p><p>-If they were unsure about university in the initial application round and hadn't applied by the deadline of June 30th 2020, but upon receiving their results decide to do so.</p><p>-If they got better grades than anticipated: there's a chance your kid could get a place at a different university that requires higher grades through Clearing.</p><p>Be aware that universities may lower their entry requirements in order to fill spaces on courses, which provides potential for students to gain access even if their grades aren't what they had hoped for. Similarly, more spaces on Clearing courses will become available in August, as A-Level results day draws closer. It's always worth checking! </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f15ca6d5019af4ca3f4b84b-clearing-help-2.jpeg" alt="A Level students getting exam results" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f15ca6d5019af4ca3f4b84b-clearing-help-2.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f15ca6d5019af4ca3f4b84b-clearing-help-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f15ca6d5019af4ca3f4b84b-clearing-help-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f15ca6d5019af4ca3f4b84b-clearing-help-2.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="What Is Self-Release?">What Is Self-Release?</h2><p>Self-release is a process into which students can enter if they have applied to university via UCAS but change their minds about their chosen course or institution before they receive their results.</p><p>Students release themselves into Clearing so as to apply to a different university course. This can be done via UCAS Track from 6th July 2020. </p><p>If your child opts for this, be sure to check that they've thought through this decision thoroughly; if they self-release, their existing university place will likely be offered to other students, and they'll have to reapply for accommodation and update their student finance application.</p><h2 data-header-link="On Results Day...">On Results Day...</h2><p>There are different results days for different qualifications.</p><p>A Level: 13th August 2020, with results available from 6am.</p><p>International Baccalaureate: &nbsp;6th July 2020.</p><p>Scottish Highers: No later than 4th August 2020.</p><p>On the day, you'll receive notification of your child's final grades. These will affect whether or not they move into Clearing. </p><p>There are several eventualities:</p><p>1) If they don't get the grades for either of their firm or insurance university choices, they will automatically be moved into Clearing, and will be given a Clearing ID number. Their application will be moved into Clearing Plus, as detailed above, which will match them to various Clearing courses.</p><p>2) If your child had not previously applied to university, but decides after receiving their results that they want to apply, they can go through Clearing to find a course. They don't necessarily have to go through UCAS Clearing to do so; some universities allow students to apply directly to them and go through a process that's called 'Record of Prior Acceptance'. This basically means you avoid paying UCAS Clearing application fees. Check on a case-by-case basis, as different institutions follow different protocol. This is a good reason to have done the research in advance of results day, so that you know which university offers what process of application.</p><p>3) If your child exceeds the requirements of their university offer and changes their mind about the university or course to which they had initially applied, they go through adjustment. Students will release themselves into Clearing, where they can search for available courses and apply. If they get a new offer through this process, they can use their UCAS Track account and accept the new place. If not, their original place is still available to take up. Adjustment runs from A-Level results day (13th August 2020) until 31st August 2020. Students will only have five days from the time of their release in which to find and secure a new offer - this is another good reason to have researched alternative courses and universities in advance of results day.</p><h2 data-header-link="Top Tips!">Top Tips!</h2><p><strong>Research, research, research:</strong> If there's a chance your child might change their mind about their course or university, or if they hadn't applied to university and decide that they might want to go after receiving their results, it's vital to do the research before results day, so that it's not a panicked rush on the day.</p><p><strong>Why you? </strong>Get your child to note down some points about themselves, why they're applying for a particular course, and why they're the best fit. These are the questions they'll likely be asked on the phone when calling the Clearing hotline on the day.</p><p><strong>Be prepared</strong>: Apply as soon as your child has their results, and be available on results day. Ensure phones are charged, and a pen and paper is ready. It's critical that they also know their UCAS &nbsp;Clearing number and Personal ID number. These are found on their UCAS Track profile. </p><p><strong>Consider alternative courses</strong>: Remember that in Clearing, a student doesn't have to apply for the same subject to which they applied initially. They can switch courses, if they have a good reason to do so, or change their mind about their course of study.</p><p><strong>Get calling</strong>: As soon as your child has their results they need to get calling, as vacancies at higher-ranked universities will fill quickly. Ensure that they are calling and speaking for themselves - unless they have a disability or anything that prevents them from doing so.</p><p><strong>Be persistent: </strong>Keep phoning! If that's not working for your child, try sending an email. Persistence is key.</p><p><strong>Think clearly</strong>: Once your kid has a potential offer in Clearing, encourage them to take their time in considering if this place is the one they want to take up. It's critical not to dither for too long, but it's also worth calling different universities and getting a few offers. They can then decide which is right for them.</p><p><br></p>

parents getting clearing help after exam results

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Guiding you through your child's university options with Clearing help.

A Parent's Guide To Clearing 

<p>The government recently announced that driving lessons can resume from <strong>4 July 2020</strong> in England (currently not in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) after being suspended from the 25 March due to Covid-19. The rule applies to all types of driver and motorcycle training in England; including private practice with someone you live with or in your support bubble.</p><p>In a separate announcement, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirmed that, in England, theory tests will resume (with social distancing) from 4 July and driving tests will start from <strong>22 July </strong>with safety precautions in place.</p><p>Every day in the United Kingdom, nearly 2,000 people turn 17 and during lockdown, 4,500 driving tests have had to be put on hold every day. That’s a lot of driving lessons for driving instructors to catch up on!</p><p>‍</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f21dca1555b3a5c99c94a-directional-arrows-1.jpeg" alt="Directional arrows for driving lessons 2020" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f0f21dca1555b3a5c99c94a-directional-arrows-1.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f0f21dca1555b3a5c99c94a-directional-arrows-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f0f21dca1555b3a5c99c94a-directional-arrows-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f21dca1555b3a5c99c94a-directional-arrows-1.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="New Rules For Driving Lessons">New Rules For Driving Lessons</h2><p>Driving lessons will be quite different. Instructors have taken stringent measures to ensure safety for themselves and their customers. </p><p>Driving instructors will follow industry best practice on PPE requirements on every lesson -- wearing face coverings and disposable gloves (to be changed after each lesson).</p><p>A driving instructor should thoroughly clean their vehicles before and after each lesson, paying particular attention to touch points, such as door handles, the steering wheel, gear stick and other controls.</p><p>Instructors should wear clothes that cover both arms and legs.</p><p>Car windows will be kept down throughout the lesson.</p><p>Learner drivers will be asked to declare that they are symptom-free. They will also be asked to wash their hands before each lesson as well as wear a face covering.</p><h2 data-header-link="How Practical Driving Tests Have Changed"><strong>How Practical Driving Tests Have Changed </strong></h2><p>Car driving tests will resume in England on Wednesday 22 July, which will give learner drivers time to have refresher lessons and practice before the big day.</p><p>The most important point is that currently, you<strong> can't</strong> book a test, unless you have already had one cancelled (via e-mail) due to the lockdown. If they were meant to be taking their exam in, say, April, they will be given priority over someone who would have taken theirs in June. </p><p>Don't come to the test if you feel unwell or are self-isolating. You can cancel and rearrange free of charge.</p><p>Candidates need to arrive five minutes before their test. The toilets at the examination centre will be closed (unless you have a medical reason for using them).</p><p>Everyone must wear a face covering. If you don't have a mask, your test will be cancelled.</p><p>The examiner and candidate will use hand gel before setting off. The examiner will wear a mask and possibly disposable gloves, and the car may include disposable seat covers.</p><p>The idea of the driving exam is to spend minimal time in the car. At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you outside if you have passed or failed. Driving instructors are allowed to be at the centre, and can listen to the feedback, but from a distance.<br></p><p>We have further advice on how to help your teen<a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/and-breathe-fifteen-mindfulness-activities-for-teenagers"> relax </a>before their driving test and to <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/tips-for-parents-to-help-teens-manage-stress">manage stress</a>.</p>

Teen girl taking driving lessons, what teens need to know.

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If your 17-year-old has felt cooped up during this difficult time -- the good news is driving lessons have re-started!

Driving Lessons Are Back: What Your Teen Should Know

<p>Discover one of North Finchley’s most well-kept secrets: a local leisure centre that boasts a gorgeous main swimming pool, a brilliant leisure pool complete with wave machine and water cannons, a teenager-friendly gym and, best of all, changing facilities that have just been refurbished. We’re talking about Finchley Lido Leisure Centre in Great North Leisure Park, a perfect (but often overlooked) destination for some energetic family fun. Whether you have older kids who want to practice their backstroke or little ones who want to splash their Sundays away, there's something for everyone here. The main swimming pool is right next to the kid-friendly leisure pool, so you can supervise your younger kids while keeping an eye on the more proficient swimmers as they do their laps. Here's all the information you need to spend an afternoon there with the kids.</p><h2 data-header-link="Dive In">Dive In </h2><p>However competent your little ones are in the water, there’s a pool to please them. For serious strokes, the 25-metre main pool is a pleasure. It has soaring ceilings and huge windows that flood the room with natural light. It’s easy to forget you’re exercising here. And for younger water fiends, the leisure pool is a dream come true. Heated to a balmy 30 degrees, this swimming pool will keep your little swimmers happy for ages. There are water cannons, rapids, air jets and yes – a wave machine! The pool starts off extremely shallow and deepens to maximum depth of 1.4 metres, so you will need to supervise your non-swimmers. There needs to be one adult for each two non-swimmers or under 8s (or one adult per each under 5). In the summer, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has a beautiful outdoor pool as well, which is a real treat. Get there early though, because it does get busy on those rare sunny days!</p><p>Please note: the swimming pools at Finchley Lido are currently closed due to roof repairs. They are expected to reopen in May 2020. The outdoor pool opens for the summer in May or June, depending on the weather.</p><h2 data-header-link="Work It Out">Work It Out</h2><p>If your teens are into fitness, they’re in luck: Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has a newly refurbished gym, with state-of-the-art equipment. Although under 16s cannot use the gym whenever they want, there are daily Junior Gym sessions for ages 11-15. Your fitness fanatics can feel like grown-ups while making use of the fantastic gym equipment under the watchful eyes of a qualified instructor in a fun, sociable environment. The gym has Wi-Fi too, as well as a high-tech monitoring system called Boditrax (precision body composition and cellular monitoring). Sessions run after school on weekdays and on weekend afternoons. You can swim as a non-member, but only members of the leisure centre can use the gym.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f0c84e16e8bdd7bd33905f3-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-4.jpeg" alt="finchley leisure centre gym" width="800" height="534" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f0c84e16e8bdd7bd33905f3-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-4.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f0c84e16e8bdd7bd33905f3-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f0c84e16e8bdd7bd33905f3-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-4.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f0c84e16e8bdd7bd33905f3-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-4.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Tots Water World">Tots Water World</h2><p>For your little fishies, there are daily toddler sessions in the pool during the week. Tots Water World is a free play session – there is no instructor or set activities. Think inflatables, water toys and floats; a brilliant way to enjoy quality time with your active toddler. Check their website for timings.</p><h2 data-header-link="Fuel Up">Fuel Up</h2><p>If you're feeling peckish, vending machines can be found around the leisure centre (and there is sometimes a snack kiosk at the outdoor pool in the summer), but if you're looking for more than just a snack you're in luck too: Finchley Lido is located in a larger leisure complex that includes several restaurants, including Nando's, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Wagamama and Ask Italian.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f0c84f586050b1000c1c54c-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-1.jpeg" alt="finchley leisure centre cafe" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f0c84f586050b1000c1c54c-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-1.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f0c84f586050b1000c1c54c-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f0c84f586050b1000c1c54c-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f0c84f586050b1000c1c54c-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-1.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Changing Facilities">Changing Facilities</h2><p>The recent refurbishment has made Finchley Lido better than ever, with extra family changing facilities and a general spruce up to all the changing areas. No need to say more - nothing can make or break a day out than the state of the changing facilities!</p><h2 data-header-link="Membership">Membership</h2><p>Anyone can use the swimming pools or join a fitness class (for a fee), but the gym is only open to members (including the Junior Gym sessions). Membership to Barnet leisure centres is reasonable and can be used across all the leisure centres in Barnet. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f0c85196e8bddaaef391c0a-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-2.jpeg" alt="kid at finchley lido leisure centre" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f0c85196e8bddaaef391c0a-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-2.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f0c85196e8bddaaef391c0a-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f0c85196e8bddaaef391c0a-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f0c85196e8bddaaef391c0a-finchley-lido-leisure-centre-2.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Nearby Activities">Nearby Activities</h2><p>A visit to Finchley Lido will entertain your troops for a good few hours . If you're looking to make a day of it, there is also a Vue Cinema and Hollywood Bowl within the leisure park – a great way to take it easy after a morning of energetic activity. There is also a very tempting arcade next to the bowling alley with games to suit all ages, from shoot 'em ups and racing games to air hockey and the wheel of fortune. </p><h2 data-header-link="Getting There">Getting There</h2><p>Finchley Lido Leisure Centre is part of Great North Leisure Park in North London, a leisure park consisting of Finchley Lido Leisure Centre, Vue Cinema North Finchley, Hollywood Bowl and a number of cafes and restaurants. There is a large, free, car park on site, too.</p><p>Barnet local leisure centres have a wide range of activities, and their websites are very helpful, giving plenty of information about facilities, activities and a weekly timetable that is kept up to date. So have a browse for more information before planning your trip to make sure you get the most out of your day. </p>

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Explore how to have the best day at Finchley Lido Leisure Centre!

Finchley Lido Leisure Centre: Everything You Need To Know

<p>Whether it's finding inspiration for future holidays, getting your mental health questions answered or discovering ways to introduce new habits into your household, there are so many resources available for parents right here.</p>

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Kidadl is on a mission to help families make extraordinary memories by enjoying the best of what their city has to offer. To help power family events that live long beyond the moment and put the fun into family life.

Advice For Parenting Teenagers