The number of the month - Archive

Three-quarters of parents of 12- to 14-year-olds support their children in using media safely and thoughtfully. This is important so that children and teens can better understand and critically evaluate the vast amount of information and news they encounter every day. 

We asked you: As parents, what is particularly important to you when it comes to your children’s use of media?

In the fourth quarter of 2025, approximately 201,000 parents in North Rhine-Westphalia took a career break to care for their child and received parental benefits, including about 33,000 fathers. 

We asked you: What was particularly important to you when dividing up parental leave?

Nearly a quarter of the working population in Germany has the option of working from home, at least part of the time. For many families, this means greater flexibility in their daily lives.

We asked you: In your view, what changes does working from home bring for families?

For most families, shared meals are a daily routine that brings everyone together. About 88 percent eat together at least once a day. In two out of three families, children and teenagers have a say in what’s served, and in about half of all families, they help prepare the meals. This promotes well-being, self-determination, and the ability to actively shape one’s own health.

We asked you: What is your biggest challenge when it comes to eating meals together with your family?

Time is often in short supply for mothers and fathers. This makes their commitment all the more remarkable: About 44% of people living with children under the age of 14 volunteer. Parents are particularly active in daycare centers, schools, and sports clubs. This strengthens social cohesion and shows children what responsibility, participation, and community mean.

We asked you: Whether as a volunteer or not—how do you contribute to the community in your area?

Cold season is especially challenging for parents. When a child is sick, moms and dads have to organize, care for, and cheer them up. And it can also be a cause for concern: Why does my child have a cold again? But especially until the end of preschool age, up to 12 infections per year are completely normal, as the immune system is still developing. The good news: Once children start school, the number of infections steadily decreases.

We asked you: How does your family manage childcare during cold season?

Crafting, building, playing, or going on outings: time spent with Grandma and Grandpa is an integral part of daily life for many families. Grandparents are involved in the care of more than half of all children under the age of three. This is far more than just practical help—grandparents provide security, give parents a break, and give their grandchildren precious memories that last a lifetime.

We asked you: What makes spending time with Grandma and Grandpa special for children?

The 2024 Family Report highlights just how important family support is: 82 percent of Germans say that when facing stressful life situations, they turn first and foremost to their own family for help. Whether it’s emotional support, practical help with daily life, or simply a listening ear—for many, family members such as partners, parents, children, or siblings are the first point of contact. The results make it clear: For many people, family is a reliable source of support—especially in challenging times.

We asked you: Who is your first point of contact when things get tough in everyday life?

Laughing, having fun, feeling safe—many children in North Rhine-Westphalia get to experience all of this. 87% of 5- to 11-year-olds say they laugh often or very often. Parents work hard every day to ensure their children have a carefree childhood and adolescence.  

We asked you: What is your secret to ensuring your children can grow up carefree?

Behind every schoolchild is a family that has prepared for the start of school with love, patience, and organization—from choosing a backpack to practicing the route to school. Thank you for this loving support! We wish everyone an unforgettable start to this new chapter in life!

We asked you: What was the biggest challenge your family faced when preparing for your child’s first day of school?