Tips for a strong relationship with grandchildren despite distance

Why grandparents are so important for families

With the NRW skilled workers offensive, the state government wants to offer every young person the best possible opportunities for a successful start to their professional life. In particular, pupils without concrete prospects for a subsequent career are to be given even better support and advice during the transition from school to work.

A new company every day, a different profession every day: the NRW vacation internship weeks offer young people aged 15 and over a good opportunity for professional orientation. Flexible, free of charge and without any application stress! It only takes a few minutes to register online.

Nationwide family festival for queer families & friends on May 4, 2025

On 4 May 2025, the state-wide Rainbow Families Day NRW will take place in Münster Castle Gardens - with a colorful supporting program ranging from a magic show and Lindy Hop to a family dialogue with Family Minister Josefine Paul.

Children between the ages of 3 and 6 experience an exciting time full of discoveries and adventures. Digital media is already part of everyday life for the little ones - from their favorite film and drawing apps to playful online learning opportunities. But how much television and media consumption is okay at this age? This is a question that concerns many parents. However, it is not only the duration of media use that is important, but also the selection of content. Which programs and apps are really age-appropriate? Which films and videos promote your child's development and which could convey inappropriate messages? Finding the right approach to media is certainly not always easy. The variety on offer is overwhelming and it is often difficult to know what content is suitable for your child. Through targeted media education, you as parents can lay important foundations for a healthy approach to media right from the start. In this way, you can guide your child in age-appropriate and small steps in the sensible use of media. In this topic block, you will learn how you can positively influence your child's media behavior. Grow together as a family and learn how digital media can be meaningfully integrated into everyday life.

Children between the ages of 6 and 10 are increasingly developing their own interest in digital media. Whether it's watching TV together, immersing themselves in exciting computer games or even getting their first cell phone - media is becoming increasingly important at this stage of life. But how much screen time is still acceptable? And when does it make sense to have your own cell phone? The balance between fascination and responsibility is not always easy to find. As a parent, you are faced with the task of balancing your child's media use while at the same time paying attention to potential dangers such as media addiction and cybergrooming. Targeted media education is the key to teaching your child how to use digital content safely. So that your child learns early on how to use their cell phone and other digital devices responsibly. As a parent, you can help your child develop a healthy and reflective relationship with media that encourages fun and exploration, but also protects them from potential dangers. Here you will find valuable tips and information to help you guide your child through this important development phase. Read how you can set rules for media use together and how you can support your child in using digital media sensibly and safely.

Digital media is becoming increasingly important for children aged between 10 and 16 as they get older. They communicate via social networks such as Instagram and TikTok, get information online and follow the content of influencers. However, intensive media use also harbors dangers: Media addiction and cybergrooming are risks that children can come into contact with. In addition, unrealistic ideals of beauty propagated on social media can have a negative impact on self-image and mental health. As parents, you have the important task of supporting your child in this sensitive phase of life and helping them to develop a healthy approach to media. Comprehensive media education is particularly important in this age group. It enables you to empower your child to critically scrutinize digital content and protect themselves from the dangers of the digital world. In this focus topic, you will find practical tips and valuable suggestions on how you can guide your child through this exciting but also challenging phase of life. You will learn how to develop strategies together to positively shape your child's media use and strengthen their media skills .

The years between 16 and 18 are a time of transition and self-discovery. Teenagers become young adults and use digital media to inform themselves, entertain themselves and communicate with their peers. They are often confronted with issues such as ideals of beauty, cybergrooming and media addiction. At this stage of life, it is particularly important that young people learn to critically scrutinize media and not allow themselves to be influenced by unrealistic ideals. In-depth media education plays a key role here, as it helps young adolescents to develop a healthy self-image and to shape their media use in a conscious and reflective manner. As parents, you can provide crucial support during this time by talking openly about the challenges of the digital world and developing strategies together with your child to deal with them. Here you will find valuable suggestions and tips from everyday family life on how to accompany your child on the way to a self-determined and responsible approach to media. Together, you can ensure that your child navigates the digital world safely and finds a healthy balance between online and offline life.