All the News at a Glance

Children's Book Day is celebrated worldwide on the birthday of Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen: The day of action is intended to promote the joy of reading and children's literature. Anyone looking for new reading material can find numerous reading tips and book recommendations for different age groups on the German Education Server.

Do you already have plans for the Easter vacations? Whether nature experiences, museums or amusement parks - there is a lot to discover in North Rhine-Westphalia. Tourismus NRW has put together lots of ideas for a varied vacation with children and young people.

AI-manipulated images are currently causing a stir: More and more frequently, deceptively real but fake images are being used to expose or sexualize people - especially girls and women - without their consent. Klicksafe provides information on what those affected can do immediately and which help and advice centers offer free support.

On January 1, 2027, the so-called Mothers' Pension III will extend child-raising periods for all children born before 1992 to three years. This means that parents of all children - regardless of their year of birth - will be treated equally when it comes to child-raising periods. The regulation will be implemented in 2028 with retroactive payment.

"Who is Bilal?" is an interactive mobile game for teenagers and young adults. It uses digital detective work to uncover the story of Finn, who, according to the signs, has become radicalized online. The state government is thus launching a new educational offer to prevent Islamist radicalization and disinformation and strengthen media literacy.

International Women's Day offers families a good opportunity to talk to children about equality and the rights of girls and women. The website kindersache.de explains the background in an age-appropriate way for children from elementary school upwards and invites them to engage with the significance of the day of action.

The state government is continuing to support midwife-led delivery rooms in maternity clinics, thereby strengthening obstetric care in NRW. Since 2021, half of all maternity clinics in North Rhine-Westphalia have already been supported in setting up a midwife-led delivery room. Further interested maternity clinics can now also receive funding.

Parents face many new challenges, especially in the first few months of life. The "Elternstart NRW" program, whose funding has now been more than doubled, offers guidance here. The free offer provides support with advice and courses. Find out more about Elternstart NRW and other educational offers for young families.

On March 1, Equal Care Day focuses on the fair distribution of care work in families - because even though fathers are slowly catching up, women still perform the majority of unpaid care work. In order for parents to work together fairly, it is important to discuss the division of labor. Here you will find tips for the exchange.

Anyone experiencing health or economic burdens following a COVID-19 vaccination can now contact the newly established clearing office of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs. Those affected from North Rhine-Westphalia can receive free and individual advice on support options.

The North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Education is funding the establishment of 54 additional family primary school centers (FGZ) in the 2026/2027 school year as part of the Startchancen program. The aim is to create places of exchange that strengthen families holistically and offer individual support with offers such as information evenings, activities and parent cafés.

How are families doing today? What is needed for a good family life? On February 28, 2026, families from all over North Rhine-Westphalia are invited to talk to each other at the Familiendialog.NRW in Essen. The registration deadline is February 25, 2026.