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Finally pregnant? Now it's getting exciting! When the desire to have children comes true, expectant mothers and fathers have exciting months ahead of them. It's good that there's still some time before the birth. Because there are a few things to clarify as soon as the pregnancy test is positive.

There are certainly many topics that you want to know more about: How does pregnancy work? What check-ups are women entitled to? When should we tell our employer about the pregnancy and what changes will there be for the mother-to-be at work? What does the baby mean for our relationship? Is the hospital the safest place to give birth? And many, many more questions.

We have summarized the most important information for you on the Familienportal.NRW. Here you will find information on financial aid and state family benefits for parents as well as initial practical tips, support services and ideas. This also includes useful checklists to help you with your planning: For example, baby equipment, a packing list for the clinic bag or financial support for fertility treatment in NRW. 
And if not everything goes as hoped? Pregnant women in emergency situations are not alone in NRW. There are counseling services for mothers and parents-to-be in every city. Find out where you can get advice and help with just a few clicks.
 

Are you looking for reliable information on the education, care and development of children between the ages of three and six? Do you have questions about family life? In this section of the Familienportal.NRW, you will find lots of useful information on early education at nursery and the transition to elementary school. After all, families have to make a number of decisions as school enrolment approaches. And you're probably wondering how you can best prepare your child for starting school.

Different aspects play a role in healthy growing up at this age. These include age-appropriate developmental support, a healthy diet, sufficient exercise and caring health promotion. From the very beginning, parents set the course for a healthy lifestyle for their children with their lifestyle and behavior. You will find plenty of suggestions and ideas on all the important topics here.

The desire for a good work-life balance usually grows as soon as mothers and fathers know their children are well looked after in a daycare center. Our tips on returning to work and an equal partnership can help you find a good balance between work and family.

Many conversations in young families revolve around money. Find out in the Finance section how the state supports parents and children and how you can apply for benefits.

With the start of school, the next milestone in your child's development is imminent. There is now a lot of focus in the family on getting off to a good start at elementary school. Here you will find practical tips on how to make learning easier for your child and how to deal with school stress. If you would like to know more about how to use media safely, you should also take a look at the Care & Education section. We have put together some useful articles, links and downloads for you there.

At the latest when children start school, many parents ask themselves the question of pocket money. What amount is appropriate at what age? The educational recommendations will give you some guidance. The chapter on finances also provides you with an overview of state financial aid, tax relief and assistance for families and especially for single parents.

Schoolchildren love to be active - but play and run around in the fresh air less and less. The health section looks at the reasons for this, the consequences and what parents can do about it. And what if your child is struggling with learning difficulties? Or has other problems at school? Bullying in elementary school playgrounds is not uncommon. Get initial advice and information about support services and contact points in your city here.

The four years between starting elementary school and transferring to secondary school often fly by. Which path should your child take after fourth grade? Our information about the types of school in NRW can help you decide.

Your child is slowly growing up. Peer friends, the clique and like-minded people become more important and push parents out of their place. Cause for concern? No! Even if you have the feeling that your influence is waning: Parents remain important relationship figures. As a mother and father, you give your children secure support within the family during this important phase of finding their identity.

Now is the time to take a close look at educational and career choices for the future. After all, important decisions will soon have to be made as school graduation approaches. After graduating from secondary school, secondary modern school or technical college, is dual vocational training an option or should I continue with school-based training? Are there good career prospects even without a school-leaving certificate?

The following questions also need to be answered: What qualifications are required for the dream job? Which subject is best suited to personal strengths and talents? What does a promising application look like? It is not always easy to find your way through the jungle of career choices. School leavers in NRW can take advantage of many guidance services. Here on the Familienportal.NRW you will find helpful information and links for online research on paths and opportunities for the time after school.

The older the children get, the better the conditions for returning to work after a long family phase. Do you have any questions? There are numerous advisory services for you. Take advantage of the support services for a successful return to work. Find out more in the Work & Family section.

Adolescence is over: your child is now of legal age and an adult from a legal perspective. This step towards independence is important for the development of young adults. Parents know this and may still feel anxious about letting go of their child. How will the relationship change? What role do parents take on in the life span between the ages of 18 and 25?

Even when custody ends, as parents you remain an important companion - for life. The family is the most important advisor when it comes to questions about the future. For example, which career choice is the right one. You can advise your child in the search for the right educational path. The Familienportal.NRW provides tips and helpful links about career paths and opportunities - even in the event that the chosen path turns out not to be the right one.

Your son is doing an apprenticeship, your daughter is studying or is in a phase of career orientation? Children are usually still financially dependent on their parents for some time. Click on Financial & Formal Matters to find useful information on what support options are available and what is important financially now.

When children leave their parents' home for good at the latest, the partnership becomes more of a focus again. Sometimes it's hard to say goodbye to family time. If emptiness and loneliness set in, it could be due to empty nest syndrome. Find out how you can let go without losing the inner bond of the parent-child relationship when daughters and sons are becoming more and more isolated.