Have you ever heard of Mental Load? On International Mental Health Day, we are highlighting the many small, often invisible tasks in everyday family life. Read here to find out what ways out of the mental load trap there are.

frühstArt helps children between the ages of 3 and 6 from the North Rhine region who are struggling with being overweight or obese. With the support of coaches, a practical web application and rehab offers, families are scientifically supported for a year to promote healthy weight development in children.

Prevent: Protect children from addiction

You need to take care of these formalities after the birth

Just a child - now a teenager: when your children become teenagers, a new chapter begins for the family. The onset of puberty marks the beginning of a time of upheaval for parents and children. Find out more about the changes and development in this age phase. The information on the Familienportal.NRW and answers to frequently asked questions can help you get through this sometimes turbulent time together.

All parents want a suitable school for their child to ensure a successful school career. In addition to comprehensive schools and grammar schools, there are many other options. The education and care section provides you with an overview of the range of secondary schools and school types in NRW.

New topics keep coming up during puberty: How do parents manage the balancing act between giving support and letting go? How do parents address the topic of contraception? How can parents protect their child from addiction? We have compiled initial information, links and downloads on these and many other questions. If you would like professional advice, you are welcome to contact one of the parenting advice centers in NRW free of charge. You can find an overview of the contact points in the Counseling section.

It's also worth taking a look at the Financial & Formal Matters section. In addition to tips on pocket money, you can find out which tax benefits parents can benefit from and how you can apply for state benefits for families.
 

The baby is here! Our warmest congratulations. Use the time in the postpartum period to get to know and cuddle your baby and to get used to everyday life with your baby in peace and quiet. You will see that in the first year of life, your baby will make rapid progress every month. On the Familienportal.NRW, you will find many useful reading recommendations on topics such as development, early support and health to accompany you on your journey through the first twelve months.

Once your newborn has discovered the light of day, there are already a lot of formalities that you as new parents have to take care of in the first few weeks. From applying for parental allowance and child benefit to taking advantage of tax benefits for families with children, you will find everything you need to know about financial and formal matters on the Familienportal.NRW.

Maybe you will soon be asking yourself questions about balancing family and career? Find out which daycare is best suited to you. Our tips on returning to work are also useful if you want to return to work early. 
And if you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges of everyday life with a baby, have worries and fears or are personally in a difficult situation? Then you should definitely seek free advice from one of the specialist advice centers in North Rhine-Westphalia. Whether it's a parenting, partnership and conflict advice center or an early intervention center for children with a disability: you are sure to find a suitable contact person in your area using the search functions on Familienportal.NRW.

From baby to toddler: children develop their personality between the ages of 1 and 3. We give tips on how you can support and encourage this development and make your child self-confident and strong. When tantrums and sudden crying fits become more frequent, toddlers take the next big developmental leap. This is when parents need to set clear rules and boundaries. In the Development section, you will find helpful information about the defiant phase that will make it easier for you to react correctly to the behavior.

As soon as your child takes their first steps, the risk of accidents in the home increases. You should make your home childproof now at the latest. Read how in the Health & Child section.

Are you looking for childcare for your child? If you know that your child is well looked after in a daycare center or daycare facility, an important prerequisite for returning to work has been met. Our tips will help you organize your return to work after a family break. And what's going on in your free time? On the Familienportal.NRW you will find lots of suggestions for things to do with the whole family.

In the first few years of life, parents with babies and toddlers have a lot of questions. Don't be afraid to seek advice! Experienced professionals in your city can also offer help. We have listed contact points where you can get qualified advice and initial support.

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.