Family life in NRW. Colorful and diverse.

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A child goes through up to 12 infections per year

Illustration: Bis zu 12 Infekte pro Jahr macht ein Kind bis Schuleintritt durch.

The cold season is particularly challenging for parents. Because when a child is ill, mothers and fathers have to organize, care for and cheer them up. And it can also cause worry: Why does my child have a cold again? But up to the end of pre-school age in particular, up to 12 infections per year are quite normal, as the immune system still has to develop. The good news is that the number of infections decreases steadily from school entry.

Share your experiences with us: How is your family coping during the cold season? 

Here's the latest parent survey!

The number of the month: Families in NRW take on responsibility and achieve a lot every day. Every month, we present a figure here that provides an insight into everyday family life.

All figures can be found in the archive.

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News for families in NRW

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Free webinar from the bke parent counseling service

In February, the bke parent counseling service is offering an informative and interactive webinar for parents. The topic this time: "Romping, defying, being sad - How I can accompany my child's emotions well."

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New e-car subsidy: Up to 6,000 euros subsidy for families

The German government has launched a new subsidy program for electric cars and hybrids with retroactive effect from January 2026. It offers a subsidy of up to 6,000 euros for purchases and leasing. Families with children under the age of 18 benefit from a higher income limit and up to €1,000 more funding.

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Language support: paving the way for ABC classes before starting school

About a third of all children starting school do not have the necessary language skills to actively participate in lessons. With new ABC classes in the year before starting school, all children in North Rhine-Westphalia should now have a fair chance of a successful education. The first compulsory ABC classes will start in 2028.

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Already read? These were the lending favorites of the year 2025

Which books were of particular interest to children, young people and adults last year? The lending charts of the libraries in North Rhine-Westphalia provide the answer. Discover now!

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What will change for families in 2026

There is more child benefit, tax allowances are being increased and the minimum wage is also rising for trainees: Here is an overview of the most important topics!

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Abitur - and then? Take part in the nationwide level-up study

How do expectations, wishes and life circumstances in the year before graduating from high school influence decisions about future careers and education? For the level-up study, the Max Planck Institute is looking for 20,000 students from the 2027 Abitur class who will participate together with a parent or guardian from May 2026.

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Our new newsletter is here!

From foster families to road safety in winter and reading aloud - the current December issue of our newsletter is all about topics that affect families in NRW. Not subscribed yet? Subscribe now and never miss an issue!

Family life in focus

My child

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Quickly found: On-site advice

Vater mit Kind blicken in die Ferne

The family guide

Are you looking for support or advice in your area? With our family guide, you can quickly find suitable contact points in North Rhine-Westphalia - from pregnancy counseling to family associations to youth welfare offices. Simply enter your zip code and discover what's on offer!

To the family guide

Everything in view: Important checklists for families

Checklist: Baby first equipment

In the first few weeks with your baby, everything will be new and exciting. So that you can concentrate fully on your child during this time, it's reassuring to have your first equipment to hand. The following list contains recommendations for the first equipment.

Checklist: Clinic bag

The birth is a unique event. It's best to think carefully beforehand about what you want to take with you to the hospital when it starts.

Checklist: Financial and formal matters

There are a few things to think about and take care of before and after the birth. The following list will give you an overview of the most important formalities that you need to take care of before and after the birth.

All checklists