All news at a glance

Tips for a strong sibling relationship, information on paternity acknowledgement, a new craft idea for spring and much more: the current April issue of our newsletter is all about topics that affect families in NRW. Not yet subscribed? Subscribe now and never miss an issue!

Every two years, the European Youth Week brings together young people and institutions to shape, promote and celebrate the future of Europe. The 2026 motto is "Solidarity and Fairness": the focus will be on current issues such as intergenerational justice and the climate crisis, well-being, housing, employment and inclusion.

Growing up without violence is one of the most important children's rights - the Day of Non-Violent Education on April 30 draws attention to this. But where does violence begin? How does it manifest itself? And what consequences does it have for children? UNICEF answers the most important questions.

You want to make your own media? Then go for it! Medienbox NRW offers online seminars to help you produce media contributions. Register now free of charge for the new dates from May to July.

The tick season begins with the warm temperatures. Children in particular are at risk of being bitten by ticks when playing outdoors. Diseases such as Lyme disease or TBE can be transmitted. Find out how you can protect your child, when a vaccination against TBE is recommended and what to do after a tick bite.

Are you still looking for a simple craft idea for Mother's Day that doesn't involve buying lots of materials? These colorful flower cards are great fun for children to collect - and make an excellent little gift. A great activity for children aged 2 and up, even without a special occasion.

A research project of the OWL Faculty of Medicine at Bielefeld University is investigating how much time 1 to 3-year-old children spend outdoors in spring/summer 2026 and where and how they come into contact with the natural environment. By taking part, you are helping to advance research into natural behavior and its influence on health.

May 15 is International Family Day. An occasion to draw attention to the many dedicated foster families in North Rhine-Westphalia. Foster parents in on-call and full-time care look after children who cannot grow up with their biological parents with care and a lot of heart. In the video, foster parents, professionals and parents talk about their experiences.

Leaving school often brings with it many questions: How do I finance my studies? What do I need to consider for my first apartment? What insurance do I need? From May 18 to 21, the NRW consumer advice center will be supporting school leavers with online presentations on these topics as they take the step towards independence.

Anyone who needs support with questions about wills and inheritance after a death can now receive this free and uncomplicated support over the phone. The five local courts of Essen, Cologne, Nettetal, Recklinghausen and Wuppertal provide surviving dependants with quick and human guidance via their new service hotlines.

In July, the bke parent counseling service is offering an informative and interactive webinar for parents. The topic this time: "Parenting today - between gut feeling and knowledge?".

The Holiday Internship Weeks NRW give young people aged 15 and over numerous insights into various professions and companies in a short space of time. Flexible, free of charge and without any application stress! The internships take place from July 20 to September 1 and last either one day or one week.