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Crises & Conflicts

It is a great joy when parents finally hold their newborn in their arms. But a baby turns your normal life upside down every day. The newborn's needs are now the focus of attention around the clock. This often costs time and energy. There are many crises and conflicts in the first year after giving birth.

Lack of sleep, uncertainty and the new living conditions can lead to tensions within the relationship. It is therefore particularly important to talk openly about feelings and concerns in the first year with your baby in order to avoid misunderstandings.

If the differences nevertheless become too great and a separation is unavoidable, the focus should be on the well-being of your child. Regardless of age, a separation is always a drastic life change that is associated with strong feelings. Be there for your child with patience and empathy and don't be afraid to seek help and support. In North Rhine-Westphalia, there are also counseling centers near you that can give you advice and reassurance. Find out here where you can get help quickly.

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Services on the topicFamily and child

Assistance

If you are raising your child alone, you can apply for a guardianship for your child at the youth welfare office. The guardian will help you to legally clarify paternity and/or to enforce your child's maintenance claims.

Maintenance advance

Care, education, job, household: single parents bear most of the responsibility alone. Financial worries are added when no or not regular maintenance is paid for the child by the other parent. In this situation, single parents can apply for advance maintenance payments.