All the News at a Glance

Whether it’s hands-on activities at the library, a picnic in nature, or an exploration along a nearby stream—shared vacation experiences don’t have to be expensive. Get inspired and discover how you can make the most of your summer vacation with creative ideas and affordable outings.

From August 28 to 30, 2026, Münster will become the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia! Join us in celebrating the state’s 80th anniversary and look forward to a vibrant program featuring music, culture, hands-on activities, and exciting exhibitors—a weekend for the whole family. You can find the program and everything you need to know on the City of Münster’s website.

Vacations spent together create unforgettable memories—but they can also lead to friction. Learn how you can use simple strategies to avoid stress and conflict and enjoy your family vacation in a more relaxed way.

With the new State Resource Center for Rainbow Families, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is promoting family diversity. It supports queer families, connects professionals, and continues to expand counseling and support services—particularly in rural areas. The goal is to create a non-discriminatory environment for all families.

Summer vacation has begun, and many teenagers want to earn some extra money with a summer job. But what kinds of jobs are actually allowed? At what age can you start a summer job, and what do you need to keep in mind regarding working hours? Our article answers the most important questions.

With our new printable template, every family member can quickly find the right contacts in an emergency: Just print it out and hang it where it’s easily visible—for example, on the refrigerator or the family bulletin board. The list includes the most important emergency numbers as well as space for your personal emergency contacts.

Stressed or worried about poor grades on your report card? The Report Card Hotline can help! The district governments’ Report Card Hotlines offer legal advice over the phone regarding questions about grades and your academic career—confidentially and free of charge.

Family life in North Rhine-Westphalia is more colorful and diverse than ever before. With the new Familienbericht.NRW, the state government is now presenting an assessment based on the realities of family life, identifying challenges and highlighting opportunities.

The state continues to support vacations for families from North Rhine-Westphalia at family vacation centers during the fall break. Find out right away if and how you can receive a subsidy! Families with children not yet of school age who wish to participate outside of school breaks can apply at any time.

Our July issue is all about safety: Learn how to protect your family during hot weather, what to keep in mind when playing in the yard and at parks, and how to properly store and prepare food. Also included: tips for buying a bike helmet, a new craft idea, and much more. Haven’t subscribed to the newsletter yet? Sign up now!

The bke Parenting Counseling Service is offering an informative and interactive webinar for parents in September. This time’s topic: “Mom, What’s Wrong with You? – Talking to Children About Mental Health Issues.”

Children should never be left unattended while swimming. Even a brief moment of inattention can be dangerous. Even at supervised swimming pools or in the kiddie pool at home, parents are still responsible for supervising their children. The DLRG provides tips and advice on how to behave at lakes, in swimming pools, and at home.