All the News at a Glance

Coming Out Day on October 11 stands for visibility and acceptance. When their own child comes out as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, parents often have questions and concerns. Experts at the Lebenslust counseling center explain what young people need right now, how parents can provide reassurance, and where families can find support.

Mental Health Day on October 10 raises awareness about mental illness and available resources. When are sadness, irritability, or withdrawal in children and adolescents just a phase, and when are they signs of depression? We asked what parents should look out for and where families can find support.

Fun, games, and shared experiences for the whole family: Until September 30, low-income families in North Rhine-Westphalia can apply for a recreational vacation during the winter break at a family vacation resort in Germany. Find out right away if you’re eligible for a subsidy and where to submit your application.

September 22 is “Walk to School” Day. This event shows that kids can get to school without a parent’s ride. Kids who walk to school start their day with some exercise and become more independent step by step. Our tips for practicing the route to school show how parents can walk the route with their child and thus ensure greater safety.

There are many great ideas for building a strong sense of community—sometimes all that’s missing is the financial support to bring them to life. The new “Bingo! Volunteer Foundation NRW” provides grants of up to 5,000 euros to support volunteer projects run by nonprofit organizations. Applications can be submitted starting September 1, 2026.

Summer vacation is coming to an end, and school is starting again for nearly 2.5 million students in North Rhine-Westphalia. It will be especially exciting for about 170,000 first-graders, who are experiencing their first day of school these days. Education Minister Dorothee Feller sends them her best wishes as they start school.

Many municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia offer a Family Pass that entitles families to discounts on recreational activities, for example. To find out if your municipality offers a Family Pass, visit our information page: Simply enter your city or ZIP code in the "How to Apply" section.

Do you have a question about benefits, counseling services, or another family-related topic? Our new AI chatbot is available 24/7 to help you quickly find the information you need. Learn how the chatbot works and how your data is protected.

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.

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.

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.

More than 40 public libraries are looking for young gamers ages 8 to 16 to join the TOMMI Children’s and Youth Jury and test and evaluate digital games and educational resources. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact their local participating library. TOMMI is a nationwide media literacy project.