Family life in NRW. Colorful and diverse.

Applications from A to Z

Parents get involved in voluntary work

Illustration: 44 Prozent der Eltern machen sich stark im Ehrenamt.

Time is often in short supply for mothers and fathers. This makes their commitment all the more remarkable: around 44% of people who live with children under the age of 14 are involved in voluntary work. Parents are particularly often involved in daycare centers, schools and sports clubs. This strengthens social cohesion and shows children what responsibility, co-determination and community mean.

Share with us: Whether voluntary or not - where do you do charitable work in your area?

Here's the latest parent survey!

The number of the month: Families in NRW take on responsibility and achieve a lot every day. Every month, we present a figure here that provides an insight into everyday family life.

All figures can be found in the archive.

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News for families in NRW

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The report telephone is available!

Anger and worries about poor grades on your report card? The report telephone can help! The school report hotlines of the district governments offer legal advice over the phone for questions about grades and school careers. The advice is confidential and free of charge.

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Safer Internet Day 2026 - Anyone can take part!

Safer Internet Day on February 10 will focus on the topic "AI and me. In an artificial relationship." with valuable information and numerous events - online or on site. We have also put together an overview for you with our articles and tips for parents on media use.

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A thank you for volunteering: access to the volunteer card becomes easier

In future, more volunteers will be able to apply for the NRW volunteer card: 200 instead of 250 hours per year or 4 instead of 5 hours per week of voluntary work are required to receive the volunteer card. With the card, committed citizens receive over 5,000 benefits throughout the state.

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Free webinar from the bke parent counseling service

In February, the bke parent counseling service is offering an informative and interactive webinar for parents. The topic this time: "Romping, defying, being sad - How I can accompany my child's emotions well."

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New e-car subsidy: Up to 6,000 euros subsidy for families

The German government has launched a new subsidy program for electric cars and hybrids with retroactive effect from January 2026. It offers a subsidy of up to 6,000 euros for purchases and leasing. Families with children under the age of 18 benefit from a higher income limit and up to €1,000 more funding.

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Language support: paving the way for ABC classes before starting school

About a third of all children starting school do not have the necessary language skills to actively participate in lessons. With new ABC classes in the year before starting school, all children in North Rhine-Westphalia should now have a fair chance of a successful education. The first compulsory ABC classes will start in 2028.

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Already read? These were the lending favorites of the year 2025

Which books were of particular interest to children, young people and adults last year? The lending charts of the libraries in North Rhine-Westphalia provide the answer. Discover now!

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What will change for families in 2026

There is more child benefit, tax allowances are being increased and the minimum wage is also rising for trainees: Here is an overview of the most important topics!

Family life in focus

My child

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Quickly found: On-site advice

Vater mit Kind blicken in die Ferne

The family guide

Are you looking for support or advice in your area? With our family guide, you can quickly find suitable contact points in North Rhine-Westphalia - from pregnancy counseling to family associations to youth welfare offices. Simply enter your zip code and discover what's on offer!

To the family guide

Everything in view: Important checklists for families

Checklist: Baby first equipment

In the first few weeks with your baby, everything will be new and exciting. So that you can concentrate fully on your child during this time, it's reassuring to have your first equipment to hand. The following list contains recommendations for the first equipment.

Checklist: Clinic bag

The birth is a unique event. It's best to think carefully beforehand about what you want to take with you to the hospital when it starts.

Checklist: Financial and formal matters

There are a few things to think about and take care of before and after the birth. The following list will give you an overview of the most important formalities that you need to take care of before and after the birth.

All checklists