Search

How can families keep the dialogue open in the face of populist rhetoric and strengthen democratic values? What can help when emotions run high? Join the online discussion and register now for free for the event “The Family as a Place of Democracy in Turbulent Times” on September 29, 2026, at 7 p.m.

How Children Make Friends and How Parents Can Help

It’s just one week away: From August 28 to 30, 2026, Münster will be celebrating the state’s 80th anniversary. For three days, a diverse range of activities for all ages—including music, culture, and hands-on events—will take place around Domplatz. You can find the program and everything you need to know on the City of Münster’s website.

Time for conversations in the kitchen

Seeking help is the first important step.

Starting school is a big step—for children and their parents. Often, the excitement about this new chapter in life is mixed with worry about whether the child will fit in with the new class. In this interview, Peter Carlsen, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy, explains how parents can help their children make friends.

Puberty is an exciting time that can sometimes feel like a challenge for both your child and you as a parent. As a lot is changing in your child, many parents focus entirely on their well-being and development. The main thing is that the children are doing well! At the same time, it is just as important to look after your own health. After all, you can only provide your child with the best possible support if you are feeling well.Just as you make it possible for your child, you should also ensure a healthy diet and regular exercise and avoid stress as much as possible. You may be thinking: "Easier said than done!" That's why we've put together some helpful information for you here to help you not forget about yourself and your health.The following articles show you how to integrate health and exercise into family time together, how to use the famous "me-time" to recharge your batteries and how not to lose heart even in crisis situations, such as illness or conflict.

It is the responsibility of parents to treat their child with respect and appreciation. In order for your child to grow up well, it needs love, security, support and opportunities for co-determination. At the same time, it is important for parents that these values are also practised in their partnership.

It is the parents’ responsibility to create a family environment in which their child can experience respect and appreciation, love and a sense of security, as well as support and a voice in family matters.  Why are children’s rights necessary? And what do they mean for parenting? Perhaps you’ve already given this some thought when you first learned about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.  But what rights do children actually have? In short, one could say: They describe everything children need to grow up well and healthily. You can read here about what these rights are in detail and what significance they have in child-rearing.  By the way, the term “children” in the Convention on the Rights of the Child refers to all people under the age of 18, including adolescents. As parents, you play a central role in your child’s development and are therefore also responsible for doing everything you can to guide your child happily into adulthood.

Time for me and my health