Fachstelle Familie und Gleichstellung, Aargau

Fachbereich Familien, Baselland

Abteilung Jugend- und Familienförderung Basel-Stadt

Fachstelle Familie und Generationen, Solothurn

Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

1st edition 2015

Dear Families,

Northwestern Switzerland is a wonderful region to live in, to work in or to visit. We have much to offer you and your family. We hope you will find this guide to be a treasure trove of useful tips, providing you with an address you need or pointing you towards the right website at the right time.

The guide contains information on public and private services for families in the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt and Solothurn. It also contains some information on services available for all of Switzerland. All available services by the government, churches, associations and support groups are presented in a clear and organized fashion at the end of each chapter together with some recommended readings. Furthermore, the manual offers practical advice and fresh ideas for everyday family life.

The Familiy Guide Northwestern Switzerland is by no means comprehensive. We will, however, make a continuing effort to update the content and add new information. We have described each service based on the presentation given by the institution that offers it. Of course, we took care to check all the information we included very carefully. The guide is updated on a regular basis. Institutions and organisations, which were not known to us by the copy deadline of December 2015 and who would like their services to be included in the guide, are warmly invited to get in touch with us. Should you have any comments or suggestions, please send us these by email: familien@bl.ch. Thank you!

A long list of experts collaborated with us to create each chapter. We would like to thank them for sharing their experience and expertise with us.

Sincerely,

Fachstelle Familie und Gleichstellung, Aargau Fachbereich Familien, Baselland Abteilung Jugend- und Familienförderung Basel-Stadt Fachstelle Familie & Generationen, Solothurn

Table of contents

1. Family diversity

2. Pregnancy and birth

3. Infants and Toddlers

4. Kindergarten and primary school

5. Adolescence

6. Parenting questions

7. Family and work

8. Professional childcare

9. Finances

10. Migration - Integration

11. Holidays and recreation

12. Health and diet

13. Getting older

14. Separation and divorce

15. Mobbing and violence

16. Death

To access a chapter directly please click on the chapter in the table of contents

Page 1 of 11

Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Family Diversity

Traditional nuclear family Unmarried couples Bicultural families Foster families Adoptive families Single parent families Same-sex partnerships Stepfamilies/Patchwork families

There is often a certain nostalgia in discussions about the family: «Families used to be a lot closer and bigger, people stayed together, families held together...» We can’t say whether this is really true. But we do know that family structures and the way people live have changed considerably.

We are always influenced by images of the ideal family. Today, there are two dominant images: In the traditional nuclear family, the husband is the breadwinner, the housewife and mother is responsible for raising the children and house keeping . There are several other «new» types of family: the nuclear family where both parents work, adoptive families, bicultural families, single-parent families, same-sex partnerships, unmarried parents, large families, foster families, or stepfamilies/patchwork families.

But no matter what type of family we consider, basically they are all striving for stable and harmonious relationships with each other. However, roles are changing.

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The gender-specific division of labour, which has given men more wealth and power, is slowly being replaced by shared responsibilities.

Traditional nuclear family

The father is the breadwinner, working full time. The mother takes care of one or two or maybe more children and does the housework. This is the old ideal of the family dating back to the period of industrialisation in the 19th century. Other cultures don’t share this ideal. Even in our western culture, it was common to share the work involved in keeping a family. For example, in agricultural societies, all members of the family contributed to growing crops and taking care of animals. A man can only be the family’s sole breadwinner if his job pays well enough to sustain the whole family. In most cultures, this has never been the norm. Even in Switzerland today, it is hard to live according to the old ideal. Many mothers have no choice but to get a job. Besides, many women choose to stay in their job after giving birth, because they want to pursue their own career, too.

Every family should have a choice of how they want to organise their lives. There is no right or wrong way of life, but it must be renegotiated again and again over time, as the children grow older.

Unmarried couples

Young couples often live together without getting married. However, there are several major legal disadvantages to this arrangement – except for the fact that in Switzerland, married couples pay more taxes than unmarried ones. There are no

laws governing the partnership of unmarried couples, so there is no legal certainty about what happens if the couple separates or one partner dies. It may be helpful to draw up a common-law agreement that defines rights and obligations of both partners in the case of separation or death. Important issues to think about are rent/mortgage, children, child-support, pension funds or a will. You can find more information on such agreements on the websites listed at the end of this chapter.

Bicultural families

Half of the couples getting married in Switzerland today come from two different countries. Binational relationships and culturally diverse families are quite common. When two people of different nationalities get married, they must integrate two different cultures and two sets of values into their everyday life. This can be quite tricky. The «Beratungsstelle für binationale Paare und Familien» (Information Centre for binational couples and families) offers advice on: • legal issues (i.e. international

marriage laws and rights of the child,Swiss immigration law)

• social security in Switzerland• schools, education and working in

Switzerland• social, cultural and religious issues

in Switzerland and abroad, before and aftermarriage.

You will find a lot of information online. However, a personal consultation is advisable.

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Foster families

Foster families take in children who, for whatever reason, cannot live with their biological parents. Fostering a child is a long-term commitment that will change the lives of everyone involved.

It is important that foster parents be prepared to cooperate closely with Social Services and the child’s parents. Even if the child becomes part of the new family, the child will always have a special role, being a member of two families. The child has to find his or her place in new surroundings, find security in new relationships and maintain a close bond with the biological parents. Foster children need a lot of support and understanding from the new parents. They need time to come to terms with the new situation. Even after many years in the foster family, the children may want to discuss the situation again and again. Both children and foster parents must be patient and willing to discuss difficult questions openly.

Families interested in fostering a child need to meet certain personal and legal requirements. Please contact the competent authority for your canton for more information. You will find the address at the end of this chapter.

Foster parents of children under the age of 15 need a licence issued by the canton, irrespective of whether or not the family is remunerated for fostering a child. No licence is needed to become a provider of day-care.

Adoptive Family

If you are thinking about adopting a child, consider it very carefully. You must be

prepared to care for the child as you would for your own. Your biological children must accept a new brother or sister. An adoption will change the life of everyone involved – do not take it lightly.

In her book for prospective adoptive parents, Barbara Steck says that adoption is a «lifelong process»: «Adoptive parents and adopted children will be faced with different challenges along the path they walk together. Many adoptive parents go through very difficult phases with their children. Some situations can be quite stressful for everyone involved.

An adoption is a complex situation for all members of the adoptive family. Adopted children must accept the fact that although they are not growing up with their biological parents, they get just as much love. Everybody must find their own way of dealing with the situation. Adoption is an extraordinary and challenging project, for it changes a family completely, and also changes the family’s history.»

There is a legal distinction between the adoption of an under-age child, the adoption of a stepchild or international adoptions. You will find all relevant details on the website of the competent authority, such as the legal requirements for adoption, all necessary forms and international agreements.

Single Parent Family

Single parents need to shoulder the responsiblity for their children on their own. In the past decades, the number of single parents has grown considerably, most of them women. There are around 160'000 single-parent families in Switzerland. Many

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single parents have gone through a tough divorce or have had to come to terms with their partner’s death. It takes time to settle into the new situation. What is more, single parents are juggling the roles of breadwinner, parent and housekeeper – which can be very hard to manage.

The biggest issue for most single parents is work-life balance. Single parents are at greater risk for poverty than other families. Even so, most of them manage – because they are energetic and resourceful when it comes to organising help from neighbours, friends and relatives.

Single parents should be careful to spend enough time with their children and also find time for themselves. «eifam», the association for single-parent families in the Basel region, organises regular Sunday brunches and other events. At these informal get-togethers, single parents can meet friends and talk about their worries, while the children can run about and play. You can find the dates online. Similar associations for single parent families can be found in the other cantons of Northwestern Switzerland.

When parents separate or get divorced, it is common for one parent to get custody, while the other gets visiting rights. These visits can provide some space and free time for the main carer. But they can also be stressful, especially if the parents are still arguing or even fighting in court. A counsellor or mediator can help you negotiate visiting times. In extremely difficult situations, or if the other parent is unable to care for the child, parents can make use of accompanied visiting days (Begleitete Besuchstage).

Same-sex partnerships

Married or not, a couple is obliged to support each other and to share their life together. They are responsible for each other in good times and bad times.

Some mothers or fathers find out they are gay quite late in life, even if they have been in heterosexual relationships for years. This is always a shock for their partner. Quite often, marriages break up if one partner decides to come out.

Sometimes, a homosexual parent starts a new relationship and moves in with his or her new partner. The new partner will become a new caregiver to the children, so he or she should be involved in decisions regarding everyday issues (such as school, day-care, medical care).

Obviously, some homosexual men and lesbian women may wish to have children, even if they’ve never been in a heterosexual relationship. However, in Switzerland, the federal law on the registration of partnerships for same-sex couples prevents them from adopting a child or using any other method of reproductive medicine. Also, it is not possible to adopt the partner’s children.

Stepfamilies

The members of a step or patchwork family may not have the same name or share blood relations, but they are a family. Stepfamilies are becoming more popular and common, although they can be quite complex. It takes time for all members to find their place in the extended family and create a bond with everyone. Even if there are different types of stepfamilies, they all have one thing in common: It is the

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adults’ decision whether or not a family lives together or separates. The children have no choice but to go along and get used to the new stepparent, brothers and sisters. This may mean taking on a new position among more children, fewer privileges and new responsibilities. The new partner also has to learn to assume a new role, even if he or she is still in conflict with the ex-partner.

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Family Diversity: addresses and links Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Traditional nuclear family

Unmarried couples www.konkubinat.ch Bicultural families Association of Counselling Agencies for Binational and Intercultural Couples and Families, Switzerland: www.binational.ch *

Association of binational couples and families http://www.ig-binational.ch/

Aargau has no specialized counselling agency for binational couples and families. You can find general information on the following website http://www.binational.ch/ *

Counselling Agency for binational and intercultural couples and families in Basel: Steinengraben 69, 4051 Basel http://www.binational-bs.ch/ * Counselling is offered in German, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Counselling Agency for binational and intercultural couples and families in Basel: Steinengraben 69, 4051 Basel http://www.binational-bs.ch/ * Counselling is offered in German, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Frabina Counselling Agency for binational couples and families in Solothurn and Olten * http://www.frabina.ch/welcome

Foster families

Pflegekinder Aktion Schweiz

http://www.pflegekinder.ch/

Foster family placing, evaluation of prospective foster families and information on the topic:

Departement Bildung, Kultur und Sport, Abteilung Sonderschulung, Heime und Werkstätte: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/sonderschulen_behindertenbetreuung/familienplatzierung/familien

Foster family placing and information on the topic:

Familea www.familea.ch

Cantonal information about fostering : https://www.baselland.ch/Pflegefamilien.317403.0.html

The „Kinder- und

Foster family placing and information on the topic:

Familea www.familea.ch

The „Zentrale Behörde Adoption und Pflegefamilien“ is responsible for delivering the cantonal fostering license. Prospective foster parents should call them on 061 267

Counselling and training for foster parents by Stiftung Arkadis http://www.pflegefamilien-so.ch/

Cantonal information about fostering: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/familie-

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platzierung.jsp The competent authority for foster families is the „Gemeinderat“ at your place of residence.

Erwachsenenschutzbehörde KESB“ is the competent authority in Baselland to apply for a fostering license. http://www.kesb-bl.ch/

68 12 for an evaluation. generationen/pflegefamilien/

Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Adoptive families Schweizerische Fachstelle für Adoption: www.adoption.ch

Schweizerischer Adoptiveltern-Verein: http://www.saev.ch

The Swiss Authorities online, Information on adoption *: https://www.ch.ch/en/how-adopt/

The competent authority for adoptions in the Canton of Aargau is the „Departement Volkswirtschaft und Inneres“.

You can find detailed information about the prerequisites of an adoption, the application and international treaties on the website:

https://www.ag.ch/de/dvi/persoenliches_zivilstandswesen/adoption/adoption.jsp?sectionId=170797

The competent authority for adoptions in the canton Basel-Landschaft is the „Sicherheitsdirektion“.

You can find detailed information about the prerequisites of an adoption, the application and international treaties on the website:

https://www.baselland.ch/Adoptionen.273476.0.html

The competent authority for adoptions in the canton Basel-Stadt are the “Zentrale Behörden Adoption und Pflegefamilien” of the department for education.

Please contact them directly for further information:

http://www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-familien/hilfen/adoption.html

The competent authority for the adoption of a child is the „Fachstelle für Familie und Generationen“ in the department for social security. You can find detailed information about the prerequisites of an adoption and the process on their website: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/familie-generationen/adoption/

The „Amt für Gemeinden, Abteilung Zivilstandesamt und Bürgerrecht“ is competent for adoption of a stepchild or an adult person. https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/volkswirtschaftsdepartement/amt-fuer-gemeinden/zivilstandsamt/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Single-parent families Schweizerischer Verband der Alleinerziehenden Mütter und Väter (SVAMV) www.einelternfamilie.ch

Accompanied visiting days for seperated or divorced parents in the Canton of Aargau(Begleitete Besuchstage): www.bbt-ag.ch IG Alleinerziehende Baden www.alleinerziehende-baden.ch Verein Alleinerziehende Aargau http://www.alleinerziehende-aargau.ch/

Accompanied visiting days for separated or divorced parents in the Canton of Baselland (Begleitete Besuchstage) : http://www.bbt-bl.ch Eifam- Alleinerziehende Region Basel www.eifam.ch

Accompanied visiting days for separated or divocred parents in the Canton of Basel-Stadt : http://www.begleitetebesuchstage- baselstadt.ch/

Eifam- Alleinerziehende Region Basel www.eifam.ch

The Association “Kompass” offers accompanied visiting days for parents and their child/ children. Please contact them directly for more information: http://www.kompass-so.ch/

Switzerland Same-sex partnership

Information on rights and duties in a registered partnership “https://www.ch.ch/en/registered-partnership/

Pink Cross- Schweizer Dachverband der Schwulenhttp://www.pinkcross.ch

Lesbenorganisation Schweiz LOS

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http://www.los.ch/de/ Familyproject- Für Lesben und Schwule mit Kinderwunsch:

http://www.familyproject.ch/

Dachverband Regenbogenfamilien:http://www.regenbogenfamilien.ch/

Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Stepfamilies/patchwork families Websites for patchwork

families: http://

www.patchwork-familie.ch/

http://www.patchworkfamilien.ch/

Marriage and Relationship counselling in the Canton of Aargau is offered by Eheberatung Aargau: http://www.eheberatung-aargau.ch/

Marriage and Relationship counselling by the Catholic church: http://www.paarberatung-kathbl.ch/

Marriage and relationship counselling by the Protestant church (Reformierte Kirche) http://www.paarberatung-refbl.ch/index.php

Family- Couple- and Parenting counselling is offered by fabe ( Familien-, Paar- und Erziehungsberatung)

http://www.fabe.ch/

Beratungsstelle Scala offers counselling for couples and families.

http://www.beratungsstelle-scala.ch/

The „Fachstelle für Beziehungsfragen“ also offers family and couples counselling http://www.velso.ch/

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Book recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available only in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the topic of family diversity

„Familienbande“ Von Christina Caprez, Limmat Verlag 2012

Das Buch von Christina Caprez zeigt in 15 Porträts von Schweizer Familien die Vielfalt der heutigen Familienkonstellationen auf. Die Porträts werden durch drei Experteninterviews ergänzt. Weitere Informationen über das Buch finden Sie auf folgender Webseite: http://www.limmatverlag.ch/programm/sachbuch/frauen/titel/89-familienbande.html

On the topic of living together as an umarried couple

„Paare ohne Trauschein- Was sie beim Zusammenleben regeln müssen“ von Karin von Flüe, Beobachter Edition, 2015.

On the topic of adoption

„Adoption – ein lebenslanger Prozess“ von Barbara Steck, Karger Verlag , 2007.

„Survival-Tipps für Adoptiveltern-2.Auflage“ von Christel Rech-Simon und Fritz B. Simon, Carl-Auer-Verlag, 2014.

On the topic of bicultural/binational families

Binational? Genial!: Der Ratgeber für Binationale Paare mit Kindern von Christian Urech, Isabelle Schiess und Valentin Stucki, Atlantis Verlag, 2005

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On the topic of single-parent families

„Allein erziehen - so schaff ichs!: Kinder, Rechtliches, Existenz sichern“ von Ruth Eigenmann, Beobachter Buchverlag, 2005.

On the topic of same-sex partnerships

„Regenbogenfamilien- Ein Handbuch“ von Stephanie Gerlach, Querverlag, 2010.

„Und was sagen die Kinder dazu?: Gespräche mit Töchtern und Söhnen lesbischer und schwuler Eltern“ von Uli Streib-Brzic und Stephanie Gerlach, Querverlag, 2005.

On the topic of stepfamilies/patchwork families

„Aus Stiefeltern werden Bonus-Eltern: Chancen und Herausforderungen für Patchwork-Familien“ von Jesper Juul, Kösel Verlag, 2011.

„Wie Patchworkfamilien funktionieren- Das müssen Eltern und ihre neuen Partner über ihre Rechte und Pflichten wissen“ von Cornelia Döbeli, Beobachter Edition, 2013.

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Pregnancy and Birth

I want to get pregnant! Social Freezing Finally pregnant Unwanted pregnancy? Cantonal counselling centres Prenatal care Antenatal classes Where to give birth? Premature birth Expecting twins or multiple

births Baby blues and postpartum

depression Helpline "Familystart beider

Basel" Breastfeeding counselling Addresses and links Book recommendations

Some children «just happen», others are carefully planned. Some couples desperately long for a baby but can’t get pregnant, others are afraid to take on the responsibility for a child. There are unwanted teenage pregnancies, and there is unwanted childlessness. These factors influence how parents feel about pregnancy and children. Today, many couples try to plan a pregnancy carefully. But it isn’t always easy. It can take a while to get pregnant, even for a young and healthy couple.

Pregnancy is a precious time in a couple’s life. There is a whole new life to prepare for, and a new family member to welcome. Nowadays, most young people have never experienced the arrival of a child. A hundred years ago, young women learnt about pregnancy and childbirth from their mothers, aunts and older sisters. Today, we need special public health nurses, evening classes and midwives to give advice. While it is important to recognise

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the challenges, young people shouldn’t feel too anxious about becoming parents.

When the baby is born, what young parents need most is good advice and support from family and professional carers. But no matter what everybody tells you: learn to trust your own instincts, too!

I want to get pregnant

A woman can get pregnant approximately between the ages of 15 and 45. However, her chances vary within this reproductive phase. Biologically speaking, a woman has her «most fertile» years between 25 and 30. Getting pregnant might take a while; even for a healthy and young couple. It is recommended to seek medical advice, if there is no pregnancy within a year.

There is no denying the fact that it is harder to get pregnant after the age of 40. Chromosomal deficiencies are more frequent in mature eggs, increasing the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. If you want to get pregnant at a more mature age, talk to your gynaecologist.

Difficulties in conceiving are not that uncommon. About one in six couples remain childless due to a fertility disorder in one of the partners. Check your fertility with your doctor or in a special clinic. It can help to have the support of a psychologist or a counsellor in this difficult situation. Obviously, a healthy and stress-free lifestyle will also have a positive effect on your fertility.

We also recommend the sections “foster family” and “adoptive family” in the chapter “diversity of families” for further reading.

Social Freezing

Human oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) is a process in which a woman’s unfertilized eggs (oocytes) are extracted,

frozen and stored. The term “social freezing” is used when this is performed without any medical indication. With the help of modern cryopreservation methods it is nowadays possible to thaw the eggs for fertilization at any given time This gives women, who cannot or do not want to fulfill their wish of a child at the present time, the chance to have a child at a later date. Oocyte cryopreservation was at first aimed only at young women who had cancer and had to have chemotherapy, whereas it is now also used in other situations.

The law in Switzerland regarding “social freezing” is ambiguous. It is generally interpreted as allowing egg freezing without medical indication, e.g. for career reasons. The storage of the frozen eggs is only allowed for a period of five years however.

While egg freezing may be a good or even necessary option in certain cases, the egg retrieval process for oocyte cryopreservation is not without its dangers. It should be noted furthermore, that there are also higher health dangers associated with a mature-age pregnancy. While there have not been many studies on the risks of pregnancies in women who are over 55 years of age, health care professionals do believe the health risks to be serious.

Finally pregnant

Are you pregnant? Congratulations! You are in for a wonderful adventure. Your body and soul are about to change, and life with your partner will never be the same again. A pregnancy raises many questions. Your gynaecologist or midwife has the answers to all the medical issues concerning you. If you are already thinking about where to give birth, attend the information events organised by hospitals, where you can even visit the delivery rooms. The internet offers a ton of websites dedicated to parents-to be. You

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can find a selection of websites at the end of this chapter.

Unwanted pregnancy?

Are you unsure about continuing or terminating the pregnancy? Such a decision is never taken lightly. In Switzerland, abortion is legal up to week 12 after your last period. If you are uncertain, there are several medical helplines and other psychological counselling services to help you come to a decision. Young women under 16 must see a counsellor or talk to someone at the «Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst» (Child and Youth Psychiatry Service).

Cantonal counselling centers

Apart from many medical questions, you may also have questions concerning your relationship, sexuality, money, employment law or maternity benefits.

Contact your cantonal counselling centre for confidential and free advice on these issues. You’ll find the addresses at the end of this chapter.

Prenatal care

Most babies are born healthy. Still, it is wise to have the baby’s weight and position as well as the mother’s blood pressure checked regularly during the pregnancy. Ultrasound scans are also part of the regular check-ups. Apart from these routine checks, there are a number of other tests that are part of the prenatal diagnostics. Some of these tests may be useful, but please be aware that there are very few ways to influence the child’s development before it is born. Parents should consider very carefully which tests could be helpful for them, and what could be done for the unborn child if a defect is diagnosed. Prenatal diagnostics can cause a couple to consider terminating a pregnancy which they had fully supported up to this point.

Which costs are covered by your health insurance?

The mandatory basic health insurance will fully cover the routine checks during pregnancy and the cost of giving birth. There is no co-pay («Selbstbehalt») for these services. Your insurance will also pay a contribution to an antenatal class. It is up to you to choose the place where you want to give birth: at a hospital, a birthing home or at home. After giving birth, your insurance will cover postnatal care and contribute to breastfeeding counselling. If you stay at the hospital after the birth, the baby’s stay is also covered by your insurance. You will find all the mandatory services in the Federal Health-Care Benefits Ordinance. The Federal Office of Public Health or your personal health insurance will provide further information.

Antenatal classes

The birth of a child is a unique and unforgettable experience for every mother and father. Many couples want to be well prepared and start thinking about it quite early. In antenatal classes, pregnant women get ready for the big moment physically and psychologically. These classes are also a good way to meet other prospective parents.

Where to give birth?

In Switzerland, about 98% of all babies are born in hospitals, which provide the necessary medical equipment in case of an emergency. The remaining 2% are born at midwives’ homes, birthing homes or at home. Talk to your gynaecologist or your midwife and find out which place suits you best. You should start to think about where to give birth around the middle of the second trimester. Many hospitals organise free information events, where you can visit the delivery room and meet the staff. You don’t need to sign up for these information events, just check the dates with each hospital directly.

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Should you prefer a hospital or clinic outside your canton of residence, make sure you check with your health insurance to see whether or not the cost is covered. It is best to register your child for the mandatory basic and supplementary health insurance before the baby is born.

Home Births

Home births are quite rare in Switzerland. According to the Swiss midwives association only about 1 percent of all births in Switzerland occur at home. Various studies have shown that a planned home birth can be as safe as a hospital birth as long you are healthy and have had no complications during your pregnancy. In the case of a homebirth, you give birth to your child at home, with a midwife attending.

Postnatal care: premature birth

Parents of prematurely born babies can join the parents’ group of the Kinderklinik Bruderholz (UKBB), even if their baby was not born there. There are group meetings once a month, where various issues are discussed. There is always a paediatric nurse present at the meetings. The parent’s association “Känguruh” for premature children and their parents is also open to anyone who is interested.

Parents of twins and multiple births

Twins are often said to be «as like as two peas in a pod ». However, identical twins are only about half as frequent as non-identical or dizygotic twins. Identical twins share the genetic material, whereas non-identical twins are no more similar than siblings of different ages. They can both be girls, or boys, or a boy and a girl. Life with twins or multiple births not only means double happiness, it also means a lot more work and requires even better planning. Don’t hesitate to ask your family and friends for support.

A special magazine called «Multipack» offers useful and scientific articles for parents of twins and multiple births. In many cantons, there are clubs for parents of twins or multiple births.

Baby Blues and postnatal depression

During pregnancy, the hormones in a woman’s body, such as progesterone and oestrogen, run wild. After giving birth, and after the placenta has been removed, the hormones drop back to normal within a few days. These rapid hormonal changes are the main culprits causing “baby blues” after delivery. During the first few days after giving birth, crying fits are quite frequent – but nothing to worry about.

50-70% of all mothers get the «baby blues» during the first three to five days after giving birth. They are touchy and often sad. However, there are also cases of severe postnatal depression and psychosis, which are caused by a number of factors. Postnatal depression affects about 10% of all mothers, usually during the first few weeks or months after giving birth. Psychotherapy usually helps. Postnatal psychosis is very rare, only found in one or two out of every 1000 births. If you suddenly feel like crying, don’t hold back. Sometimes it helps to talk to other mothers in the same situation. Find a self-help group or talk to your doctor or your midwife.

HELPLINE «FAMILYSTART»

The midwife-network “ Family Start beider Basel” offers a 12-hour hotline and professional house-visits 365 days a year to families with newborns , to ensure that you continue to receive help and care when you are back home after the birth. Every day of the year, from 8 am to 8 pm, experienced midwives are available to answer your questions about the health and care of mother and child. In some cases, the midwives may visit you in your

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home. They can also refer you to parent counselling services as well as medical providers. This service is free of charge for women who delivered their babies at the Universitätsspital or the Bethesda Spital in Basel. If you had your baby at another hospital, there is a one-time fee of 50 Chf. This service can also be used by women who reside in cantons other than Basel-Landschaft or Basel-Stadt.

FamilyStart HELPLINE: 0848 622 622

(Daily from 8am to 8pm)

Breast feeding counselling

Midwives and nurses show young mothers how to breastfeed their babies right after giving birth. Your health insurance will also cover three sessions with the midwife or specialised nursing staff. You can find extra support and advice with «La Leche League».

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Pregnancy and birth: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English as well this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn I want to get pregnant www.swissmom.ch >Kinderwunsch www.kinderwunsch.ch www.familienplanung.de > Kinderwunsch www.bzga.de > Themen > Sexualaufklärung und Familienplanung

Kinderwunschzentrum Baden http://kinderwunschbaden.ch

Kinderwunschzentrum Region Basel* http://www.kinderwunsch-basel.ch/

Kinderwunschzentrum Region Basel* http://www.kinderwunsch-basel.ch/

Frauenklinik Bürgerspital Solothurn Abklärungen bei unerfülltem Kinderwunsch

Understanding a miscarriage www.babycenter.ch/pregnancy/trauerundverlust/fehlgeburtverstehen/ http://www.familienleben.ch/leben/konflikte/fehlgeburt-verarbeiten-1584

Elternbabyzentrum Basel offers counselling after a miscarriage Rütlistrasse 51, 4051 Basel Tel. 076 562 03 35 Begleitung nach einer Fehlgeburt

Social Freezing www.kinderwunschzentrum.ch

Finally pregnant www.swissmom.ch www.wireltern.ch http://www.familienleben.ch/ http://www.liliput.ch/ https://www.ch.ch/de/geburt http://www.babyguide.ch

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Unwanted pregnancy? Schwanger - wir helfen Hilfs- und Beratungsstelle

Scheuermattweg 4 3007 Bern Postfach 1076, 3000 Bern 23 Tel. Büro: 031 961 64 74 http://schwanger-wir-helfen.ch/

Counselling regarding pregnancy conflict:

Beratungsstelle für Familienplanung, Schwangerschaft & Sexualität www.fapla-ag.ch

Aarau: Laurenzentorgasse 7, Tel: 062 822 55 22 aarau@fapla-ag.ch

Brugg: Stapferstrasse 2, Tel: 056 441 37 77 nfo@fapla-ag.ch

Information about Counselling services in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft:leaflet in 11 languages* Informationsblatt zum straflosen Schwangerschaftsabbruch

Counselling for women under the age of 18 with an unwanted pregnancy:

Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst Liestal: 061 927 75 70 Bruderholz: 061 425 56 56

Counselling service for pregnancy conflict and guidance throughout the abortion process *:

Universitätsspital Frauenklinik Spitalstrasse 21, 4056 Basel Link to the counselling offer

Counselling for women under the age of 18 with an unwanted pregnancy:

Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrische Klinik Schaffhauserrheinweg 55 4058 Basel Link to the counselling offer

Guide of the Health Department Solothurn in cases of unwanted pregnancies: Leitfaden ungewollt schwanger

Counselling regarding pregnancy conflict:

Beratungsstelle für Schwangerschaft, Familien- planung und Sexualität http://www.velso.ch/

Cantonal counselling centers for pregnancy and birth Beratungsstelle für Familienplanung, Schwangerschaft & Sexualität www.fapla-ag.ch

Aarau: Laurenzentorgasse 7, Tel. 062 822 55 22 aarau@fapla-ag.ch Brugg: Stapferstrasse 2,

The Canton of Basel-Landschaft offers two counselling centres for free and confidential counselling regarding pregnancy and relationships. Beratungsstellen für Schwangerschafts- und Beziehungsfragen

Offizielle Schwangerschafts- beratungsstelle Basel-Stadt

Universitätsspital Frauenklinik Spitalstrasse 21 Tel. 061 265 93 93/94 info-schwanger@usb.ch Link to the pregnancy counselling centre

Beratungsstelle für Schwangerschaft, Familien- planung und Sexualität http://www.velso.ch/

Solothurn: Rossmarktplatz 2 solothurn@velso.ch Olten: Hammerallee 19 olten@velso.ch

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Tel. 056 441 37 77 nfo@fapla-ag.ch

Pregnancy counselling at the hospitals: Aarau Tel. 062 838 50 67 Baden Tel. 056 486 35 91

Liestal Tel. 061 921 60 13 Binningen, Tel. 061 413 24 00 www.bsb-bl.ch Pregnancy counselling at the hospitals: Liestal Tel. 061 925 25 25 Bruderholz Tel. 061 436 21 92

Grenchen: Solothurnstrasse 32 grenchen@velso.ch Breitenbach: Fehrenstrasse 12 breitenbach@velso.ch

Prenatal care www.praenatal-diagnostik.ch www.swissmom.ch www.babycenter.ch Which costs are covered by your health insurance? www.bag.admin.ch> Themen>Krankenversicherung* Antenatal classes Antenatal classes and pregnancy gymnastics:

http://birthcare.bgb-schweiz.ch/site/index.cfm

Antenatal classes (Geburtsvorbereitungskurse) at the hospital:

Geburtsvorbereitungskurse Kantonsspital Aarau Kontakt Kurssekretariat Tel. 062 838 50 17 E-Mail: frauenklinik-kurse@ksa.ch

Geburtsvorbereitungskurs Baden

Antenatal classes (Geburtsvorbereitungskurse) at the Kantonsspital Baselland Geburtsvorbereitungskurse Kantonsspital Baselland (Schwangerschaft und Geburt Kurse und Infoabende Kursangebot pro Standort) Infant care classes by the Red Cross: www.srk-baselland.ch > Kurse

> Familie und Kind

Antenatal classes (Geburtsvorbereitungskurse) at the Frauenklinik, Universitätsspital Basel in German and English*

Geburtsvorbereitungskurse der Frauenklinik BS

Antenatal classes (Geburtsvorbereitungskurse) at the hospital:

Geburtsvorbereitungskurse Bürgerspital Solothurn

Geburtsvorbereitungskurse Kantonsspital Olten

Geburtsvorbereitungskurse Obach Klinik, Solothurn

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn

Where to give birth?

Birthing centre

You can find a list of all birthing centres in Switzerland, listed by canton, on the following website: www.geburtshaus.ch

Homebirths

A midwife can be found through the homepage of the Swiss association of midwives*: http://www.hebamme.ch/de/elt/heb/freiehebammen.cfm?md=erw

Cantonal hospitals (Public hospitals)

Kantonsspital Aarau Frauenklinik, Tel. 062 838 50 67, KSA - Frauenklinik Aarau Kantonsspital Baden, Tel. 056 486 35 91, Geburtshilfe Kantonsspital Baden

Private hospitals Asana Spital, 5316 Leuggern, Tel. 056 269 40 00, Geburtshilfe Spital Leuggern

Asana Spital, 5737 Menziken, Tel. 062 765 31 31, www.spitalmenziken.ch

Klinik Villa im Park, 4852 Rothrist, Tel. 062 785 66 66 Geburtshilfe Villa im Park

Gesundheitszentrum Fricktal: Rheinfelden, Laufenburg & Frick Frauenklinik Gesundheitszentrum Fricktal

Cantonal hospitals (Public hospitals)

Kantonsspital Liestal mit Beleghebammen-System, Tel. 061 925 25 25, www.ksli.ch > Frauen Kantonsspital Bruderholz, Tel. 061 436 36 36, Kantonsspital Bruderholz > Frauenklinik > Zentrum für Mutter & Kind Kantonsspital Laufen, Tel. 061 765 32 32, www.ksla.ch > Angebot > Geburtshilfe

Private hospitals ITA-Wegman-Klinik, 4144 Arlesheim, Tel. 061 705 71 11, www.geburtshaus-iwk.ch Ergolz-Klinik, 4410 Liestal, Tel. 061 906 92 92, www.ergolz-klinik.ch > Unser Angebot > Gynäkologie

Birthing centres

Geburtshaus Ambra, Unterdorfstrasse 25, 4443 Wittlinsburg, Tel. 062 299 29

Cantonal hospitals (Public hospitals)

Universitätsspital Basel, Tel. 061 265 90 49, Frauenklinik : Universitätsspital Basel

Private hospitals

Bethesda Spital, Tel. 061 315 22 22, Geburtsklinik Bethesda Spital Note: Midwiferies are open to any health insurance category and across cantonal borders.

Birthing centres

Geburtshaus Basel, Schweizergasse 8, 4054 Basel, Tel. 061 462 47 11, www.geburtsstaette.ch

Homebirths

A list of midwives in the region of Basel is available by calling 061 702 07 60 or online

Cantonal hospitals (Public hospitals)

Bürgerspital Solothurn, Tel. 032 627 44 71, Frauenklinik Solothurn

Kantonsspital Olten, Tel. 062 311 43 89, Frauenklinik Olten

Birthing centres

There is currently no birthing centre in the Canton of Solothurn.

Homebirths

A midwife can be found through the homepage of the Swiss association of midwives*: http://www.hebamme.ch/de/elt/heb/freiehebammen.cfm?md=erw

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Kreisspital für das Freiamt, 5630 Muri, Tel. 056 675 14 21 www.spital-muri.ch--> Geburtshilfe

Hirslanden Klinik Aarau, 5001 Aarau, Tel. 062 836 70 00 Geburt in der Hirslanden Klinik Aarau

Birthing centres Geburtshus Storchenäscht Hendschikerstrasse 12, 5504 Othmarsingen, Tel. 062 885 80 80, http://www.storchenaescht.ch

Homebirths

A midwife can be found through the homepage of the Swiss association of midwives*: http://www.hebamme.ch/de/elt/heb/freiehebammen.cfm?md=erw

29, www.gebaeren.ch Geburtshaus Tagmond, Hauptstrasse 26, 4133 Pratteln, Tel. 061 823 10 10, www.tagmond.ch

Geburtshaus Rundum GmbH, Wahlenstrasse 70, 4242 Laufen, Tel. 061 761 83 63, www.geburtshausrundum.ch

Geburtshaus der Ita Wegman Klinik, Pfeffingerweg 1, 4144 Arlesheim, Tel. 061 705 72 46 , geburtshaus-iwk.ch

Homebirths A list of midwives in the region of Basel is available by calling 061 702 07 60 or online www.baslerhebamme.ch > Hebammensuche

The midwives of the birthing centre Tagmond are also available for homebirths: www.tagmond.ch > Angebote > Hausgeburt

www.baslerhebamme.ch > Hebammensuche

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Premature birth Elternverein Känguruh: www.fruehgeborene.ch

Both cantonal hospitals (public hospitals) in Aarau and Baden have a neonatal intensive care unit. There are no special groups for parents of premature babies in the Canton of Aargau.

Neonatal family guidance through the Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel. Neonatologische Familienbegleitung

Neonatal family guidance through the Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel. Neonatologische Familienbegleitung

Free neonatal- project by the Arkadis foundation for parents living in the Canton of Solothurn.

neonatal-project of the Arkadis foundation

Parents of twins and multiples www.twinmedia.ch

Swiss assocation for parents of multiples http://www.mehrlingsverein.ch/

Twinparents-Club Aargau/Solothurn http://www.zwillingseltern.ch/

Twinparents-Club Aargau/Solothurn http://www.zwillingseltern.ch/

Postnatal depression www.postnatale-depression.ch Gesprächsgruppe Postnatale /

postpartale Depression

Familienzentrum Karussell Haselstrasse 6 5400 Baden

Infoflyer zur Gesprächsgruppe Postnatale Depressionen

The department of gynecological social medicine and psychosomatics of the Unispital Basel offers advice to women with postnatal depressions during their consultation hours. Beratung bei psychischen Problemen nach der Geburt

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Helpline „Family Start beider Basel” FamilyStart HELPLINE: 0848 622 622 (daily from 8am to 8pm) * Breastfeeding counselling La Leche League * www.stillberatung.ch Stiftung Stillen* www.stillfoerderung.ch

A breastfeeding consultant can be found on the website of the Swiss association of lactation consultants : http://www.stillen.ch/de/

The women’s clinic at the Kantonsspital Aarau (KSA) and the Kantonsspital Baden have breastfeeding consultants who will assist you Stillberatungen im KSA Stillberatungen im Kantonsspital Baden

The KSA website also has an informative leaflet on the benefits of breastfeeding: Infoflyer Stillen

The Kantonsspital Baselland provides a leaflet with information on the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding : Die 10-Schritte zum erfolgreichen Stillen PDF

Assistance by a breastfeeding consultant at the Kantonsspital Baselland Stillberatung am Kantonsspital Baselland

Assistance by a breastfeeding consultant at the Universitätsspital Basel Stillberatung am Unispital Basel

The Universitätsspital Basel also offers the possibility to donate any extra milk to a milk-bank.

The Bürgerspital Solothurn is a breastfeeding-friendly clinic.

During your stay you will be visited by a lactation consultant. Stillberatungen im Bürgerspital Solothurn

Book recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are only available in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent instead.

On the topic of twins

„Das doppelte Mäxchen- Ein Kindersachbuch zum Thema Zwillinge“ von Regina Masaracchia und Insa Wiegand, Edition Riedenburg, 2009.

On the topic of Breastfeeding:

“The womanly art of breastfeeding”, La Leche League International, 2010.

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Infants and Toddlers

Infant health-care centres Baby massage Baby swimming Family centres Mother/Father-Babygroups Playgroups Pro Juventute’s «Letters to

Parents» Secondhand children clothes and

accessories

A very interesting time is awaiting you, now that your little bundle of joy has finally arrived. We have gathered important addresses and links to support you during this time.

Infant health-care centres

Infant health-care centres offer on-site advice for parents with children up to the age of five years. Specialised public health nurses can answer all questions regarding the physical, emotional and psychological development of the child and encourage mothers and fathers to trust their instincts as a parent. In Switzerland, there is an infant health-care centre open to all families in every municipality. The centres usually run a telephone service and operate at regular opening hours. Some nurses visit families at home or organise special classes.

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Baby massage

Baby massage helps mothers bond with their babies, supports the baby’s wellbeing and strengthens its immune system, especially in the first six months. Baby massage classes are organised by the Red Cross and by freelance midwives.

Baby swimming

Baby swimming is a recognized method of parent-child exercise for children between 3 and 24 months. Baby swimming stimulates the baby’s motor skills and social behaviour.

Family centres

Depending on the age of the children, families need different kinds of information or support. The «Familien- und Begegnungszentren FAZ» in Baselland (family centres) offer a whole range of support. Parents and children can get together and discuss family issues. Professional support of all kinds is available at the family centre. It is a place where everybody helps each other.

In Basel-Stadt the “Quartiertreffpunkte“ (District meeting points) offer a similar service to family centres in Aargau and Baselland. The family association of Solothurn also offers its members a similar service. You can find their addresses at the end of this chapter.

Mother/ Father- Babygroups

Mothers and fathers with babies up to about one year meet regularly to share their experiences. Some meetings are guided by qualified staff, others are organised by the parents themselves.

Playgroups

To prepare for the process of letting go, why not enroll your child in a playgroup? This is an ideal environment for children to explore new things and meet children of their own age. In playgroups children aged 2 ½ and older (up to kindergarten) can come together, play games and develop their personalities and social skills. Besides playing, playgroups also offer the possibilities for children to do handicrafts, sing, paint and listen to stories. The activities are adapted to the children’s stage of development and their needs.

Playgroups are constant groups of 6 to 10 children who are taken care of by experienced and trained persons. Playgroups have fixed opening hours. They usually take place for two to three hours on mornings. Often children attend playgroups once or twice a week.

The IG Spielgruppen Schweiz offers elementary and advanced as well as specialisation courses for playgroup supervisors. The Schweizerischer Spielgruppen-Leiterinnen-Verband’s website gives information and useful contacts for your region. Contact your local council (Gemeinde) for more information on early intervention programmes.

Many municipalities provide early language training in kindergarten or even in playgroup – for immigrants in particular, but by no means not only for them. Children participate in weekly classes where they develop their linguistic abilities in a playful way. The purpose is to help non-German-speaking children make friends with German speakers and pave the way for a smooth transition into primary school.

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Pro Juventute’s “Letters to Parents”

Even in the age of the Internet and email, printed newsletters remain an important means of communication.

Pro Juventute’s «Letters to Parents» provide information on childcare, nutrition and development. They help you see the world through a child’s eyes and develop your own parenting style. The letters are delivered in accordance with the age of

your child, so that you always get the right information at the right time. The letters cover everything you need to know from a child’s first year of life to age 6.

You may receive the «Letters to Parents» as a gift from your municipality, your Pro Juventute district or some other organisation. Ask your local council (Gemeinde) if and for how long you will receive the letters. You can also order them from Pro Juventute directly.

Pro Juventute also provides a 35-page brochure called «Our Child» with practical advice for the care, nutrition and development of infants. The brochure is available in German, French, Italian and seven other languages (Albanian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil and Turkish) and can be ordered from Pro Juventute or downloaded from their website.

Secondhand children's clothes and accessories

Small children grow so fast! It makes sense to shop in secondhand stores and at special children’s yard sales. There are always nice clothes at good value. There are also useful online shops.

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Infants and toddlers: addresses and links Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Infant Health-Care centres http://www.muetterberatung.ch/index_auswahl.htm*

http://www.muetterberatung-aargau.ch/

www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch http://www.muetterberatung-so.ch/

Baby massage Database for baby massage classes according to the Newar- tradition: http://www.newarbabymassage.ch/

Swiss association for baby massage : http://iaim.ch/babymassage/

Baby massage at the Kantonsspital Baden: http://www.kantonsspitalbaden.ch/Fachbereiche/Geburtshilfe-Praenataldiagnostik/Babymassage/

Baby massage around Gränichen: http://www.babymassage-aargau.ch/

The Red Cross Baselland offers baby massage classes: www.srk-baselland.ch > Kurse > Familie und Kind

Some midwives also offer baby massage: www.baslerhebamme.ch > Ueber die Hebamme > ergänzende Angebote

In Basel some midwives also offer baby massage Basel-Stadt : www.baslerhebamme.ch >

Ueber die Hebamme > ergänzende Angebote

The Bürgerspital Solothurn offers baby massage classes:

https://www.so-h.ch/buergerspital-solothurn/institute/frauenklinik/geburtshilfe/betreuung-nach-der-geburt/fuer-die-gesundheit-ihres-kindes.html

Baby swimming Swimming classes for babies and toddlers ( from 10 weeks to 4 years of age) in different locations around Switzerland: http://www.firstflow.ch/de/

Schwimmschule Kleine Schwimmer offers swim classes in Aarau and Menziken http://www.kleine-schwimmer.ch/

Schwimmschule Aqua Vision: http://www.aqua-vision.ch

Schwimmverein beider Basel www.schwimmschulebasel.ch > Schwimmschule H2O Wasser erleben AG www.wassererleben.ch > Baby-und-Kinderschwimmen

Schwimmverein beider Basel www.schwimmschulebasel.ch > Schwimmschule H2O Wasser erleben AG www.wassererleben.ch > Baby-und-Kinderschwimmen

Schwimmschule Aqua Vision: http://www.aqua-vision.ch

Aquafitness Subingen: http://www.aquafitness-subingen.ch/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Family centres

www.kinderbetreuung-aargau.ch> Treffpunkte Eltern/Kind> Familienzentren

www.ebbl.ch > Familienzentren

www.quartiertreffpunktebasel.ch/

Familienverein Solothurn http://www.familienverein-so.ch/

Mother-/Father Baby Groups An overview of the most popular baby classes in Switzerland on familienleben.ch:

http://www.familienleben.ch/baby/entwicklung/babykurse-von-babyschwimmen-bis-krabbelgruppe-1465

Information about Mother-/Father baby groups (Krabbelgruppen) can be found on the information platform for childcare in the Canton of Aargau:

http://www.kinderbetreuung-aargau.ch/index.html Krabbeltreffs

Information about Mother-/Father baby groups (Krabbelgruppen) and other parent groups can be found on the information platform for parent education in Baselland: http://www.elternbildung-baselland.ch/angebote-in-ihrer-gemeinde/

Some of the „Quartiertreffpunkte“ also offer mother-/father baby groups:

http://www.quartiertreffpunktebasel.ch

Krabbeltreff by the family association Solothurn for kids up to 3 years of age : http://www.familienverein-so.ch/krabbelgruppe.html Krabbelgruppe Rüttenen: http://www.ruettenen.ch/?menu=schulen&sub=krabbelgruppe

Playgroups IG Spielgruppen Schweiz GmbH, Tel. 044 822 02 21 www.spielgruppen.ch

Schweizerischer Spielgruppen-Leiterinnen-Verband, Tel. 044 970 19 64 www.sslv.ch

Verein Spielgruppen Aargau: http://www.spielgruppen-aargau.ch/

Kinderbetreuung Aargau: http://www.kinderbetreuung-aargau.ch/index.html Spielgruppe suchen

Fach- und Kontaktstelle für Spielgruppen Basel und Region: www.fks-bsplusregion.ch

Fach- und Kontaktstelle für Spielgruppen Basel und Region: www.fks-bsplusregion.ch

IG Spielgruppen Kanton Solothurn: http://www.spielgruppen.ch/p473.html?kanton=SO

Pro Juventute’s „Letter to Parents“ Pro Juventute’s «Letters to Parents» provide information on childcare, nutrition and development. The letters to parents are also available in English * http://www.projuventute.ch/Elternbriefe.18.0.html The guide „ Our Child- 1-6th Year of life“ is also available in English * : https://shop.projuventute.ch/de/2~255~1/Kinder-Erwachsene/Unser-Kind

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Secondhand children's clothes and accessories www.ricardo.ch > kaufen > Kind-und-Baby/ www.liliput.ch > Kleinanzeigen http://www.tutti.ch/

Kinderkleiderbörsen im Kanton Aargau: http://www.kindex.ch/kt-aargau

Secondhand-Läden und Börsen für Kinderkleider und Kinderartikel:

www.baselland.ch > Bau Umwelt > Amt für Umweltschutz und Energie> Publikationen

Kinderkleiderbörsen beider Basel: http://www.kindex.ch/beide-basel

Kinderkleiderbörsen beider Basel: http://www.kindex.ch/beide-basel

Kinderkleiderbörse im Kanton Solothurn: http://www.kindex.ch/kt-solothurn

Book recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available onlyin German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent instead.

On the topic of infants and toddlers

„Babyjahre“ by Remo H. Largo, Piper Verlag, 2010 is very widely read in Switzerland and contains information on development and parenting of children up to 4 years of age.

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Kindergarten and Primary School

HarmoS Kindergarten When does compulsory schooling

start? Adaptation classes (Einführungs- /

Einschulungsklassen) The school system in Northwestern

Switzerland Conflicts between family and

school

At last, today is the day you have been waiting for: your child’s first day in kindergarten. You have probably been mentally preparing for this day for a while and are looking forward to it. Some kids can barely wait: they finally get to be just like their big brother or sister and go to kindergarten!

In all cantons of Northwestern Switzerland compulsory schooling begins with kindergarten. The two-year kindergarten now belongs to the primary level and is considered the first stage of schooling.

HarmoS

HarmoS is an intercantonal agreement on the harmonization of the compulsory school period. With HarmoS, two years of kindergarten become mandatory.

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The minimum age to start Kindergarten (4 years of age), and the date (31st of July) by which the children must have reached that age, are being harmonized in the Cantons that have signed the agreement. These rules must be put in place by the beginning of the school year 2015/2016. You can find out whether your canton has signed HarmoS, and how far it has gone with the harmonization, on the website of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK).

Solothurn, Basel-Land and Basel-Stadt have signed the HarmoS agreement. Aargau has not signed the agreement so far (as of September 2015), but has nevertheless introduced the two-year mandatory kindergarten.

Kindergarten

For all the happy excitement, starting kindergarten also triggers feelings of loss, fear and insecurity – not only for the child, but for parents, too. Many a mum and dad find it difficult to be separated from their child, entrusting their little boy or girl to the care of strangers. There may be tears, though they usually dry quickly as soon as you walk out of view. Try out what feels best for you. Create your own ritual. Some parents like to play with their child for a while before leaving, others give their baby a peck on the cheek. Whatever you do, never leave your child without saying good-bye.

Once your child has settled into kindergarten, he or she has taken a big step towards independence. This «growth» will soon become apparent. Your child will proudly demonstrate new skills, sing songs and tell stories you have never

heard before. Let your «grown-up» kindergarten kid teach you!

To prepare for the process of letting go, why not enroll your child in a playgroup? This is an ideal environment for children to explore new things and meet children of their own age. In playgroups, up to ten children aged three and older come together, play games and develop their personalities and social skills, such as:

• building a relationship with a newcaregiver (letting go)

• experiencing group activities

• learning to fend for oneself

• developing self-confidence

• developing intellectual and motorskills

• discovering new material andgames

Many municipalities provide early language training in kindergarten or even in playgroup – for immigrants in particular, but by no means not only for them. Children participate in weekly classes where they develop their linguistic abilities in a playful way. The purpose is to help non-German-speaking children make friends with German speakers and pave the way for a smooth transition into primary school.

Contact your local council (Gemeinde) for more information on early intervention programs

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Mandatory Promotion of German one year before Kindergarten in Basel-Stadt

The Canton of Basel-Stadt supports the acquisition of German by children in order to ensure a smooth transition into primary school. Children who barely speak German have to attend a playgroup or other German-speaking institutions one year before entering Kindergarten. There children are taught German in a playful way at least two half days per week.

When does compulsory schooling start?

Compulsory schooling begins in all cantons of Northwestern Switzerland once children start with kindergarten. The two-year kindergarten now belongs to the primary level and is considered the first stage of schooling. Children who have turned 4 years old by the deadline start Kindergarten after the summer holidays. The deadlines currently vary from one canton to another. Eventually all cantons in Northwestern Switzerland will have the 31st of July as deadline.

After two years of Kindergarten your child will transition to primary school.

Adaptation classes (Einführungs- /Einschulungsklassen) Some children are unable to keep up in regular classes, despite the best efforts of their teacher. They may lack persistence, concentration or self-confidence and not feel comfortable in a regular class. Children with such development needs have the opportunity to attend an adaptation class in the Cantons of Aargau and Baselland, in which the content of the first school year is taught over two years.

The children receive targeted support in small groups. Most children benefit from this «gentle» transition into school and move from the two-year adaptation class into primary two.

Basel-Stadt and Solothurn do not have such adaptation classes. Children with different strengths and talents complete kindergarten, primary school and high school (Sek I) together. Pupils with a disability, learning disability or who are highly gifted receive the needed support in school. The same applies for children who speak only very little German or none at all. If this is not possible, the children can be supported through special programs within the school or in a special school.

The school system in Northwestern Switzerland

Because of HarmoS all four cantons of Northwestern Switzerland will have the same school system by the school year 2015/2016.

The compulsory school period is divided as follows:

• 8 years primary school ( includingtwo years of mandatorykindergarten)

• 3 years high school (secondarylevel I)

After compulsory school most adolescents will start secondary level II, while some may decide to start working without getting further education. Secondary level II is subdivided into general education and vocational training courses.

The general training courses include the Matura schools and specialized middle

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schools. They do not lead to professional qualification. They prepare for training courses at the tertiary level (university, colleges).

In vocational training young people learn a trade. During vocational training the adolescents mostly learn on the job, with complementary teaching in schools once or twice a week. There are also some vocational training courses where the student attends school full-time.

Conflicts between family and school

When a child enters kindergarten or primary school, conflicts between the child, school and family can occur. Where lasting conflicts between school and parents exist, it is the child caught in-between that suffers the most. Poor school performance and behavioural problems may result.

As a parent, make every effort to avoid such conflicts. If you or your child is having trouble with a certain teacher, speak to that person directly. If you are not satisfied with the result of the talk or you don’t know how best to approach the teacher, the school board or school social workers are there to help you. They can also act as mediators. Both the school board and social workers approach conflict talks from a neutral position. A child must never receive unfair treatment from a teacher. The school is committed to making sure this does not happen, which is why a teacher must inform his or her superior of a conflict talk. Furthermore, it is just as important that parents do not form a front against the school or a certain teacher, but try to find collaborative solutions.

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Kindergarten and Primary school: addresses and links Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Harmos Information about HarmoS from the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). http://www.edk.ch/dyn/11659.php

General information on the school system: https://www.schulen-aargau.ch/kanton/organisation_struktur/Pages/default.aspx

Harmonisation in the Canton of Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/Bildungsharmonisierung.315187.0.html

School harmonisation in Basel-Stadt: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/bildungspolitik/schulharmonisierung.html

General information on the school system: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/

Kindergarten Information by the Swiss authorities online on Kindergarten and pre-school *: https://www.ch.ch/en/kindergarten-preschool/

Kindergarten in Aargau: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/kindergarten_volksschule/schulstruktur_organisation/schulstufen/kindergarten/kindergarten.jsp

Information about the compulsory 2-year kindergarten: https://www.baselland.ch/2-Jahre-Kindergarten.315175.0.html

Kindergarten in Basel-Stadt: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulsystem/kindergarten-primarschule/kindergarten.html Mandatory German learning 1 year before KG http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulsystem/vor-dem-kindergarten.html#page_section3_section2

Kindergarten in Solothurn: http://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/schulsystem/schulstufen/primarstufe-mit-kindergarten

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When does compulsory schooling start? Information by the Swiss authorities online on Kindergarten and pre-school *: https://www.ch.ch/en/kindergarten-preschool/

Kindergarten & compulsory schooling in Aargau: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/kindergarten_volksschule/schulstruktur_organisation/schulstufen/kindergarten/kindergarten.jsp

Information about the compulsory 2-year kindergarten: https://www.baselland.ch/2-Jahre-Kindergarten.315175.0.html

Kindergarten in Basel-Stadt: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulsystem/kindergarten-primarschule/kindergarten.html

Kindergarten in Solothurn: http://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/schulsystem/schulstufen/primarstufe-mit-kindergarten

Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Adaptation classes (Einführungs-/Einschulungsklassen)

Adaptation classes in the Canton of Aargau : https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/kindergarten_volksschule/sonderpaedagogik_foerderangebote/besondere_foerderung/einschulungsklasse/einschulungsklasse.jsp

Information by the Department for public schools on adaptation classes /Einführungsklassen: http://www.avs.bl.ch/index.php?id=204

Integrative school: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulsystem/integrative-schule.html

Special support in the Canton of Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/foerdern/spezielle-foerderung/

The school system in Northwestern Switzerland The Swiss education system *: http://www.edk.ch/dyn/16342.php

The school system in the Canton of Aargau: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/kindergarten_volksschule/schulstruktur_organisation/schulstufen/schulstufen.jsp

The school system in the Canton of Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/Bildungsharmonisierung.315187.0.html Infographic: http://www.edudoc.ch/static/web/bildungssystem/BL.pdf

The school system in the Canton of Basel-Stadt: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulsystem/kurz-erklaert.html

The school system in the Canton of Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/schulsystem/

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Konflikte zwischen Familie und Schule The parenting association Schule und Elternhaus Schweiz (S&E) represents concerns of parents regarding school on the national level for the German-speaking part of Switzerland: http://www.schule-elternhaus.ch/ch/aktuell.html

Information by the public School Aargau about a framework for good cooperation between parents and the school: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/kindergarten_volksschule/schule_elt

ern/schule_eltern.jsp

Information by the School Psychology Service Baselland for questions about specific support, solutions regarding bullying and much more: https://www.baselland.ch/faq-htm.311716.0.html

Information by the public school Basel-Stadt about a framework for good cooperation between parents and the school: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/eltern-schule.html

Information in difficult situations and points of contact for parents: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/beratung/

Book Recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available only in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the Topic of kindergarten

There are many great books to help your child prepare for starting kindergarten. Here’s a short selection:

„Mein Kindergarten ( Wieso? Weshalb? Warum? Junior) von Doris Rübel, Ravensburger Buchverlag, 2008.

„Mein erster Tag im Kindergarten“ von Frauke Nahrgang und Marlis Scharff-Kniemeyer, Ravensburger Buchverlag, 2013.

„Endlich im Kindergarten“ von Nina Dullek, Coppenrath Verlag, 2011.

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On the topic of conflicts between family and school

„Hilfe im Schulalltag“ von Walter Moser, Beobachter Verlag, 2011.

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Adolescence

Puberty is unavoidable- andnecessary

Addiction: newsletters for parents Information for Teenagers Career choice National future day Cantonal career fairs Scholarschips

Puberty is unavoidable- and necessary

Still a child, but already half grown-up – naughty, impertinent and completely exhausting: that’s how we perceive teenagers entering puberty. What exactly goes on in this stage of life? Educator Jörg Undeutsch has a website with a helpful introduction and lots of resources for parents. He writes:

«Puberty is a necessary step in a child’s development. It is a phase of individualisation, more important than ever in a time when each individual is expected to find his or her own way, mission, and place in the world. Puberty doesn’t express itself to the same extent in all teenagers. Don’t be unsettled by what appears to be particularly boisterous or difficult behaviour – in most cases, it is quite ‹normal›, though it may be hard to cope with. Generally, we need be less

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concerned about teenagers who are noisy and cheeky than about those who are not. Teenagers themselves don’t even understand what is happening inside of them. It is confusing, unsettling – and fascinating at the same time.»

Internationally renowned psychologist Allan Guggenbühl once called puberty a joyride into the nether world of one’s own unconscious. Fantasies, aggression and passion flare up in ways that are not considered socially acceptable. Teenagers meet the good and the evil in themselves and are fascinated by both. The ethical rules that favour one and reject the other are not (yet) their own rules. They are still developing their own ethics. The objectionable is at least interesting – and empowering. Power is what teenagers need to find their own way and assert themselves. As teenagers struggle to find their own identity, everything else becomes irrelevant. Teens view the world and everyone in it in a thoroughly subjective way.

Addiction: newsletters for parents

Sucht Schweiz ( Addiction Switzerland) publishes newsletters for parents of teenagers between 12 and 16 years of age. They touch on parenting issues that involve the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Based on everyday situations, the newsletters discuss how you can take preventive action by talking to your children about psychoactive and other addictive substances. The first newsletter can be downloaded from the institute’s website, or specific issues can be ordered. They also provides brochures, guidebooks and leaflets on addiction and offer counselling

for teenagers and parents by telephone or via the Internet (anonymously if you wish).

Information for teenagers

The website tschau.ch offers a wealth of information for teens as well as online counselling. The topics range from education and jobs to relationships, recreation and multimedia. It is aimed at teens throughout Switzerland.

JULEX, a handbook for teenagers in the cantons Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt, contains articles and contact addresses on themes such as recreation, school, vocational training, jobs, rights, duties, health, love, addiction, religion, money, housing, military service as well as many useful links to websites.

The website feel-ok aims to help teenagers to feel well and offers a lot of information on this topic.

Children and teens can call the phone number 147 free of charge if they have a problem and need somebody to talk to confidentially. This service is available around the clock, 365 days a year. Not only can you get counselling by phone, sms, email or chat but the website www.147.ch also offers a lot of information.

All cantons in Northwestern Switzerland also have specialized counselling offers for adolescents. You can find their addresses at the end of this chapter.

Career choice

While there is no harm in thinking about your children’s future careers at an early stage, bear in mind that children change

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Every other year, the Canton of Basel-Landschaft and the

and develop as they reach puberty and beyond. Whether or not your child displays musical or technical talent, or thrives in a social, commercial or mechanical profession – you will find out in due course. It would be wrong to force a child in a certain direction from an early age on. That would mean denying your child the chance to try out the full range of its talents and interests. Choosing a career is again the start of a new stage in your child’s life. It is a topic that is likely to preoccupy the whole family. You might want to start with a visit to the career-counselling centre BIZ («Berufsinformationszentrum»). Often a small piece of information or a short conversation is all it takes to move on in the decision-making process and make in-depth counselling at a later stage much more productive.

National Future day (Nationaler Zukunftstag)

The National Future Day (formerly known as National Daughter’s Day) is a motivational campaign for girls and boys. The purpose is to encourage young people to reflect on working life and possible life paths. For many boys, the thought of having a life-long career comes naturally – not always for girls. That’s why girls and boys benefit from different support measures when it comes to life planning. Teachers are invited to conduct workshops with boys that deal with equal opportunities and contemporary life paths for men.

Berufsmesse

Chamber of Commerce Baselland jointly organise a career fair in Pratteln. In the years in-between, Basel-Stadt hosts its career and education fair in the exhibition halls of Messe Basel. The cantons of Aargau and Solothurn also organise alternating career fairs. Posters and invitations are sent to schools to inform them of these popular information and networking events. The career and education fairs give an overview of the full range of professional and educational opportunities. Their purpose is to highlight possible development and career tracks, allow teenagers to interact with corporations and enhance the appeal of vocational training. Issues regarding their career and their future are extremely important to teenagers. The personal contacts and conversations that take place at the career fairs are particularly valuable, where teenagers get to meet professionals, but also young people in training. The fairs are also an opportunity to get some hands-on experience with applications, processes and equipment.

Scholarships

A sound educational foundation results in good prospects in the job market. Similarly, continuing education helps to keep one's prospects intact and serves as a driver of personal development. The only problem is: education costs money. Not everyone can fall back on a wealthy family, personal savings or a part-time job. When searching for other sources of financing, you will soon discover the scholarship system, a complex web of 26 public and dozens of private organisations which offer a helping hand to people pursuing professional or personal development. A request for a scholarship

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or educational grant involves an extensive evaluation procedure that demands considerable effort on the part of the applicant and is only successful if some very specific criteria are met. First condition: educational grants are approved only when the financial means of the applicant, the applicant’s parents or other legal guardians are insufficient.

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Adolescence: addresses and links Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Puberty is unavoidable- and necessary www.pubertaetverstehen.ch Pro Juventute additional letter „Teenager“ https://shop.projuventute.ch/de/A~PUBL-6056-U/0~0~1/Extrabrief-Teenager?hi=250.00&hl=2

Addiction: Letters for parents www.suchtschweiz.ch > Infomaterialen> Zielgruppe> Eltern

Addiction prevention Aargau: http://suchtpraevention-aargau.ch/

Addiction Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/suchtpraevention-htm.311182.0.html

Outreach programs for teenagers in regards to addiction http://www.sucht.bs.ch/adressen/jugendliche.html

Counselling for teenagers with addiction: http://www.suchthilfe-ost.ch/ beratungsstelle-fuer-jugendfragen/

Information for teenagers http://www.tschau.ch

www.feelok.ch

www.147.ch

JEFB, Jugend-, Ehe- und Familienberatung im Kanton Aargau: http://www.jefb.ch/de/home

Youth Psychological Services Aargau For teenagers , young adults and their caregivers with

JULEX, a handbook for teenagers in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt http://julex.tschau.ch

JULEX, a handbook for teenagers in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt http://julex.tschau.ch

Jugendberatung/ Teen counselling centre: http://www.jugendberatung-

Look-up contains helpful information, advice and addresses for adolescents from the Canton of Solothurn. http://www.look-up.ch/de/index.php

Teen counselilng centre

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professional , academic and personal problems http://www.beratungsdienste-aargau.ch/hilfe-bei-krisen-und-schwierigkeiten/jugendpsychologischer-dienst.html

juarbasel.ch/ Perspektive: http://www.perspektive-so.ch/de/Jugendberatung/Beratungsstellejugend.php?navanchor=3110003

Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Career choice www.berufsberatung.ch

http://www.lehrstellenboerse.ch

www.weareready.ch

ask! Counselling services for education and work Aargau: www.beratungsdienste-aargau.ch/berufseinstieg/wiedereinstieg.html

Apprenticeships Aargau: www.ag.ch/lena

Career- and Studies Counselling Baselland www.afbb.bl.ch> Berufsberatung BiZ

Apprenticeships beider Basel: http://www.lenabb.ch

Career counselling Basel-Stadt: www.berufsberatung.bs.ch

Apprenticeships: http://www.lenabb.ch Counselling for choosing an apprenticehsip/ a career: http://www.mb.bs.ch/berufliche-grundbildung/beratung.html

Career counselling Solothurn: http://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/amt-fuer-berufsbildung-mittel-und-hochschulen/berufs-studien-und-laufbahnberatung/biz/

National Future Day ( Nationaler Zukunftstag) www.nationalerzukunftstag.ch http://www.nationalerzukunft

stag.ch/de/angebote/angebot/zeige/kanton/aargau/

https://www.baselland.ch/Gendertag.318900.0.html

http://www.gleichstellung.bs.ch/handlungsfelder/schule-berufswahl/nationaler-zukunftstag.html

http://www.nationalerzukunftstag.ch/de/angebote/angebot/zeige/kanton/solothurn/

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Career Fair Career Fair Aargau: http://www.ab15.ch/

Career Fair Baselland: http://www.berufsschau.org/

Career fair Basel http://www.basler-berufsmesse.ch/

Career information fair Solothurn: http://www.bim-aareland.ch/content/home.php

Scholarships www.stipendiensuche.ch

http://www.studienstiftung.ch

http://stipendien.educa.ch

Scholarships Aargau: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/hochschulen/stipendien_1/stipendien.jsp

Scholarships Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/ausbildungsbeitraege.306063.0.html

Department for scholarships: http://www.hochschulen.bs.ch/ueber-uns/organisation/amt-ausbildungsbeitraege.html

Scholarships Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/departementssekretariat/stipendien/

Book recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are only available in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent instead.

On the topic of puberty

„Achtung Teenager! Jugendliche verstehen, fördern und fordern“ Von Sarah Zanoni, Beobachter Verlag, 2010.

„Pubertät- Loslassen und Haltgeben“ Von Jan-Uwe Rogge, rororo Verlag, 2010.

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Parenting Questions

What is „good parenting“? Parental education: fresh ideas for

parents Parent counselling: practical advice

for everyday situations Becoming parents-staying a couple Being a dad Dealing with new media: Television Computer Clear rules for surfing and chatting

online

What is „good parenting“?

A loving and respectful attitude towards a child is the foundation of being a good parent. The campaign «Raising strong children» launched by «Elternbildung CH» follows these eight principles:

Raising children means … sharinglove.

Raising children means ... havingtime.

Raising children means ... showingyour feelings.

Raising children means ...accepting that it’s okay to argue.

Raising children means ... listening. Raising children means ... giving

each other space. Raising children means ... setting

limits. Raising children means ... being a

source of encouragement.

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Parental education: fresh ideas for parents

Parental education concerns us all. It is a form of adult education that deals with social and political issues, with child education and family life.

Parental education programs support the work of mums and dads. Courses, lectures and get-togethers offer fresh ideas and opportunities to reflect on the trials and tribulations of raising children.

Several organisations offer parental education: from women’s, parents’ and family associations to churches. «Elternbildung Baselland» (ebbl) is an umbrella organisation that supports and coordinates parental education in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft. Visit their website to find a list of parental education programs for the whole canton.

In addition, «Elternbildung CH» has a database that allows you to search for parental education programmes throughout Switzerland.

Parent counselling: practical advice for everyday situations

Parent counselling is offered in every municipality of the Canton of Basel-Landschaft. This is the place to go if you have questions about the physical, emotional or intellectual development of your child. The centres provide guidance on topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition, care and education and help you come to terms with your new role as a parent. Counselling is generally free of charge. Some municipalities will charge a registration fee.

If you need advice dealing with a difficult family situation or are feeling overwhelmed by the task of looking after your children you can contact a youth- and family counselling centre or the “Sozialpädagogische Familienbegleitung Pedagogical family guidance) of your canton. You can find their addresses and those of other helpful institutions at the end of this chapter.

Becoming parents - staying a couple

A child is born – and suddenly everything changes: The child is always at the centre of attention. I miss my partner’s support. We are constantly tired and irritable. We no longer have time for expressing affection.

The birth of a child turns a couple into parents – a new role which, especially in the first few months, is a full-time occupation. You are now a mum or dad for life. Hopefully, your relationship will last just as long. Not every relationship does. Things have changed: while parents used to stay together for economic reasons, the main criteria considered today are love and a healthy relationship. When it’s all about changing nappies and bottle feeding, or driving the kids to school, music lessons and sports practice – how are you supposed to find time for your partner?

Everything revolves around the kids – including the conversations with your partner. Whether it’s teething pain, household chores, or choosing a kindergarten: there is much to talk about

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and many a problem to solve. Often, kid talk dominates even the few quiet hours in the evenings. One’s own feelings and experiences receive little or no attention. In this difficult stage of a relationship, some couples start to fear that their love will pay the price. Taking time for each other is essential. A relationship needs to be nurtured. It may sound trivial, but it really is important.

Every couple tries to create space in their own way. How difficult or easy this is depends a lot on external circumstances, such as work and the availability of third-party childcare (be it by relatives or a babysitter).

Childfree time needn’t always be spent as a couple. It is just as important for each partner to meet their own friends, pursue their favourite hobbies, exercise etc. There is often very little time for these things, especially if you have several children. Unlike couples with no children, parents have to plan. There is no way around an in-depth discussion about chores, childcare, housekeeping and work. Spending some time without the kids can be wonderful, even if it does take some getting used to!

Being a dad

What it means to be a father has changed dramatically over the years. Many fathers now want to be physically and emotionally present for their children, instead of only being the «breadwinner». This redefining of roles requires a change in mindsets as well as societal change. Surveys show that both men and women would like both a career and to participate fully in family life.

Dealing with new media

Television

Children, teenagers and adults can learn a lot from TV. It is a source not only of diversion, entertainment and adventure, but also of information and knowledge. When should I let my children watch TV? How much TV should they watch? These are legitimate questions that most parents ask themselves at some point. Small children do not belong in front of the TV, even if there are plenty of programmes targeting a very young audience. Don’t misuse the TV as a babysitter!

Parents need to make their own rules, but here are some basic principles that can provide guidance:

3 to 5 year olds: not more than halfan hour a day

6 to 9 year olds: an hour a day atthe most

10 to 13 year olds: not more than90 minutes in front of the TV.

It is up to parents to decide how long their children get to watch TV. As they grow older, kids will want to participate in the selection of programmes, or even choose all on their own. Older children may want to watch programmes that their parents don’t approve of. Read up on the contents of the programme in advance, and maybe even watch it together with your children.

Of course, you always have the option of letting the kids grow up with no TV at all.

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Computer

A teenager is sitting in front of a big, grey computer, eyes fixed on the screen, shooting away at airplanes. Such are the images that draw parents’ attention to the problem of computer addiction. Affected children or teenagers no longer hang out with their friends. They show no interest in sports and outdoor activities. Instead, they spend most of their free time on the computer.

Some parents can’t wait to get their kids started on the computer. They believe that educational software, tailor-made for babies and small children, is the best way to prepare their offspring for a society based on performance and competition. Experts disagree about the best time to introduce computers into a child’s life. Parental concern that a child will become addicted as soon as it encounters this new technology is understandable, but unfounded. Despite the temptations of computers and new media, most children lead active lives and interact with friends in the real world and not just virtually. The parents’ main job is to set a good example of responsible and appropriate media use.

Clear rules for surfing and chatting online

Apart from harmful websites, unsecured chat rooms and social media accounts ( such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat) pose the greatest threat to young people on the Web. It is almost impossible for parents to monitor content and behaviours in chat rooms, so wait as long as possible before allowing your child to have a computer in his or her own bedroom or to have a smartphone. It’s better to have a family computer with

separate user accounts and a time plan. That way, you will have clear rules and time schedules for using the Internet.

If you have no experience with these things, ask your child to show you how to «chat» and have a go at it yourself! If your child accepts you as one of their contacts, you’ll be able to see when your child is online!

It also makes sense to use the (mostly) preinstalled Kid mode (parental control) on tablets, smartphones, laptops and computers. If the system does not offer this service, it makes sense to download a simple parental-control software.

Talk to your children about which online activities are fun and safe, and which things may be dangerous. Talk to them in general about available content on the Web, because the time will come when they encounter harmful content (violence, racism, pornography, etc.), so they should be made aware of these things. Why not establish a list together with your child of websites that are safe to visit?

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Parenting questions: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn „What is good parenting“? www.elternbildung.ch

Parental education: fresh ideas for parents www.elternbildung.ch

http://www.gordon-training.ch

www.sveo.ch

www.instep-online.ch

www.elternbildung-aargau.ch http://www.elternbildung-baselland.ch/

http://www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-familien/ elternbildung.html

http://www.elternbildung-so.ch/home/index.php

Parent counselling: practical advice for everyday situations Pro Familia www.profamilia.ch

Fachverband Sozialpädagogische Familienbegleitung Schweiz: http://www.spf-fachverband.ch

http://www.muetterberatung-aargau.ch/

Sozialpädagogische Familienbegleitung Zürich/Aargau: http://www.spfplus.ch/

Family counselling outreach program: www.hota.ch

www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch

Sozialpädagogische Familienbegleitung Baselland http://www.spf-baselland.ch

Familien-, Erziehungs- und Jugendberatungsstellen beider Basel: http://www.fejb.ch/

www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch

Sozialpädagogische Familienbegleitung Basel: http://www.help-for-families.ch/

Familien-, Erziehungs- und Jugendberatungsstellen beider Basel: http://www.fejb.ch/

http://www.muetterberatung-so.ch/

http://www.elpos-agso.ch/

http://www.velso.ch/?id=solothurn.html

http://www.arkadis.ch/de/familienberatung-_content---1--1055.html

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Elternnotruf ( Hotline for parenting emergencies): www.elternnotruf.ch

The family, couple and educaton counselling centre of Basel-Stadt has an agreement with some municipalities in Baselland: http://www.fabe.ch/

Elternhilfe beider Basel: http://www.elternhilfe.ch

Familien-, Paar- und Erziehungsberatung Basel-Stadt: http://www.fabe.ch/

Elternhilfe beider Basel: http://www.elternhilfe.ch

http://www.beratungsstelle-scala.ch/

Sozialpädagogische Familienbegleitung Solothurn: http://www.kompass-so.ch/seiten/02familienbegleitung.html

Becoming parents-staying a couple Online parenting training for parents, who want to learn how to deal with stress more effectively (free service) www.elterntraining.ch Being a dad Dachverband der Schweizer Männer- und Väterorganisationen: www.maenner.ch Verein für verantwortungsvoll erziehende Väter und Mütter (VEV): www.vev.ch

www.vaeter

Vater-Kind Frühstück (father-child breakfast) im Familienzentrum Karussell in Baden: http://www.karussell-baden.ch/vaeter-kinder-fruehstueck/

Männer-/Väterhaus für gewaltbetroffene Männer: http://www.zwueschehalt.ch/

Selbsthilfegruppe für schwule Väter aus Basel/Baselland: http://www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch/shch/de/selbsthilfe-gesucht/themenliste.detail.618f0d5b-4ec6-49f0-9b85-f31cfa2de804.html

Selbsthilfegruppe für schwule Väter aus Basel/Baselland: http://www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch/shch/de/selbsthilfe-gesucht/themenliste.detail.618f0d5b-4ec6-49f0-9b85-f31cfa2de804.html

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Switzerland Dealing with new media : television and computer/ clear rules for chatting and surfing the web

Jugend und Medien: National program to foster children’s competency with new media:http://www.jugendundmedien.ch

Zistig.ch aims to educate children about responsible media use:www.zistig.ch

Schweizerische Kriminalprävention: Information about potential dangers for children while surfing the webhttp://skppsc.ch/

Informaton by Pro Juventute about media competency for childen and teenshttp://www.projuventute.ch/Medienkompetenz.2092.0.html

Book recommendations Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available only in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the topic of parenting questions Broschüre «Acht Sachen … die Erziehung stark machen», zu bestellen beim Schweizerischen Bund für Elternbildung, Tel. 044 253 60 60,

info@elternbildung.ch

"Autorität ohne Gewalt. Elterliche Präsenz als systemisches Konzept" Von Haim Omer und Arist von Schlippe, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2014. Autorität durch Beziehung. „Die Praxis des gewaltlosen Widerstands in der Erziehung“ Von Haim Omer und Arist von Schlippe, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2015.

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„Familienkonferenz: Die Lösung von Konflikten zwischen Eltern und Kind“ Von Thomas Gordon, Heyne Verlag, 2012.

„Kleine Helden in Not: Jungen auf der Suche nach Männlichkeit“ Von Dieter Schnack und Rainer Neutzling, Rororo Verlag, 2011.

„Kompetente Erzieher haben kompetente Kinder“ Hansheini Fontanive www.sveo.ch> Publikationen> Brochüre, 2008.

On the topic of being parents- staying a couple "Eltern werden – Partner bleiben. Ein Überlebenshandbuch für Paare mit Nachwuchs" Von Eva Tillmetz, Peter Themessl und Johann Mayr, Mabuse Verlag, 2012.

On the topic of being a dad

"Vater werden ist nicht schwer? Zur neuen Rolle des Vaters rund um die Geburt" Von Eberhard Schäfer und Michael Abou-Dakn, Psychosozial-Verlag, 2008

"Wie Väter ticken. 111 Fakten, die aus Söhnen & Töchtern Väter- Versteher machen" Von Maximilian Brost, Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf, 2009.

On the topic of dealing with new media

„Medien-Kids“ bewusst umgehen mit allen Medien – von Anfang an Von Eveline Hipeli, Beobachter Verlag, 2014.

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Family and work

Health protection duringpregnancy

Maternity leave: healthprotection and daily allowance

Protection against dismissal The principle of non-

discrimination Parents’ rights Paid paternity leave Unpaid paternity leave Reconciling work and family life Part-time work and working time

models Kindergarten and school Domestic and family work Returning to work

Society has changed in the past decades. Men and women both want to raise a family, as always, but both wish to move on in their careers, too. Work and family life have almost become two completely different spheres.

Many families depend on two incomes in order to get by. It is vital, therefore, that the state create a framework in which parents can reconcile work and family life. This includes, among other factors, a good network of professional childcare facilities and parents’ rights in the workplace.

Last, but not least, domestic tasks should be shared equally between men and women. Part-time job? Who does the cooking and cleaning? Who looks after the children? And who takes the kids to the crèche? Every couple must find its own

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answers to these questions. This is not always easy, because society expects different things of men and women. Every mother and every father has his or her own ideas of what it means to be a parent. Equal rights for men and women are a constitutional right in Switzerland. Now we must find ways for families to live up to this principle every day.

Health protection during pregnancy

– Employers are obliged to create a safeenvironment for pregnant women.

–Pregnant women working in a standing position are entitled to a resting period of twelve hours every day from the fourth month of pregnancy onwards.

– Pregnant women are entitled to a ten-minute break every two hours, inaddition to the regular breaks.

– From the sixth month of pregnancyonwards, they cannot be expected towork more than four hours per day in astanding position.

– If the job includes dangerous or hardwork, the risk of these tasks must beassessed by an expert.

– A pregnant women working nightsbetween 8 pm and 6 am can demandan equal job with daytime hours up tothe seventh month of pregnancy.

– Night work is illegal in the last eightweeks before the expected date ofbirth.

– If the employer is unable to offer heran equal substitute for her job, apregnant woman can refuse to do thejob. She is entitled to 80% of herwages.

– If a pregnant woman is unable to workbecause of the pregnancy, she must

submit a medical certificate. The employer is obliged to pay her sick leave. The period for the continued payment of the agreed wages depends on the pregnant woman’s years of service with her employer, and her contract.

Maternity leave: health protection and daily allowance

After giving birth, new mothers are granted particular protection in the workplace: It is illegal to employ women during

the first eight weeks after the birthof their child (even if they wish towork!).

New mothers are entitled to aminimum maternity leave of 14weeks.

During maternity leave, a mother isentitled to 80% of her wages in theform of a daily allowance of CHF196 max.

The following women are entitled toreceive the legal daily allowance:employed or self-employedwomen, women gainfully employedin a family enterprise, unemployedwomen receiving benefits, andwomen on sick leave receivingsocial or insurance benefits.

Breastfeeding is healthy for the child and strengthens the bond between mother and baby. Therefore, working mothers are granted special protection during the baby’s first year, so that they can breastfeed their child at work: Measures for the protection of the breastfeeding mother must be in place. Young mothers are entitled to take time out for breastfeeding. If they leave the

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building, half the time used for breastfeeding counts as worktime.

Protection against dismissal

The Swiss Code of Obligations states that pregnant women with a permanent contract cannot be dismissed during the pregnancy and 16 weeks following the birth of the child. Employees can give notice during the pregnancy, complying with the period of notice stated in their contract. If both parties agree, a contract can be cancelled. Both parties define the terms of the cancellation.

The principle of non-discrimination

Discrimination based on sex or physical disability in the workplace is illegal. This principle applies to contracts, employment and the cancellation of contracts. Equal pay is particularly important: women and men should get the same remuneration for equal work.

Parent’s rights

Mothers and fathers of children under the age of 15 are defined as employees with family responsibilities. Under current law, employers must allow up to three days of care leave for parents whose child is sick at home. The legal situation of parents in the workplace is governed by the Swiss Employment Law and the Code of Obligations.

The traditional family with the father as breadwinner and the mother at home is no longer common. In many families, both father and mother have a job − a chance to really share the responsibilities within the family equally.

Paid paternity leave

When a child is born, the father is allowed at least one day of paternity leave. Many employers, among them the public administration, grant more than the minimum leave.

• Collective agreements with more thanthe minimum paternity leave:

www.travailsuisse.ch > Suche > Vaterschaftsurlaub

Unpaid paternity leave

It is up to employers whether or not they want to grant unpaid paternity leave. Fathers who work for the Canton of Baselland for example are granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during the first year after their child is born. If they want to take unpaid leave, they have to submit a written application at least two months prior to the first day off work. They can also choose to take several shorter periods of leave throughout the year.

Reconciling work and family life

The birth of a child changes everything. Time management, for example, becomes harder – and more important. Several studies show that the birth of a child is also the onset of a new and more traditional way of life for many couples: As soon as the young mother is at home on maternity leave, she takes over all of the household chores as well as childcare. Quite often, the couple agrees on a traditional family model: After her leave, the woman opts for a part-time job, and takes on the role as housewife and main carer. The man works full time and becomes the main breadwinner. Once the second child is born, the roles are

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reaffirmed. In such a situation, there is no equal distribution of money, childcare, gainful employment and domestic work. It is very hard to find the right balance between work and family life, between time spent with the children and time devoted to career. What would families need to reconcile more easily work and family life? There are three decisive factors:

Flexible working time models andpart-time work

Core time at school Equal distribution of domestic work

and childcare

The online platform «Beruf und Familie: Massnahmen der Kantone und Gemeinden» collects all the information on laws and measures taken by cantons and municipalities to improve work-life balance for parents.

www.berufundfamilie.admin.ch

Please read the chapters «Family Diversity» and «Childcare» of this guide for further information.

Part-time work and working time models

In Switzerland, many parents work part-time in order to better reconcile work and family life. Many women have never had a full-time job. In 2005, 58% of all gainfully employed women worked part-time, as opposed to just 11% of the men. However, the percentage of men in part-time jobs is rising: In 1997, 95% of all gainfully employed men with children under the age of 7 worked full-time. In 2007, this rate decreased to 91% (according to the

Federal Office of Statistics). Unfortunately, many employers and teams do not encourage fathers to work part-time. It still seems to be a female prerogative.

However, the demand for part-time jobs is growing steadily, and employers have started to introduce flexible working time models. Job-sharing, for example, means that two people share equal responsibility for a job. Job-splitting means that the tasks and responsibilities for the same job are split between two people.

The traditional bourgeois family (full-time housewife and sole breadwinner) is becoming less common. It is wise for women to consider their future carefully when they are pregnant. It is not easy to return to work after staying at home for years. If you want to work part-time after your child is born, consider the following factors (important for men and women):

Consider how much you want towork, and consider that 70-90%jobsare easier to organise foryouremployer than smaller part-timejobs. Also, management positionsare rarely offered below 70%. Ifyou aim for a smaller workload,job-sharing may be an option. Doyou have a colleague in a similarsituation? Be open and talk aboutyour ideas.

Talk to your employer as soon aspossible. Tell them what you wantand explain the solution you haveworked out. Make it clear that part-time jobs are profitable foremployers: Employees workingpart-time are more effective and

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efficient, happier in their jobs, more loyal and more willing to stay on.

Talk about how you intend toorganise your part-time job: Willyou be working regular days, or areyour hours flexible? Both systemshave their pros and cons, whichyou need to consider carefully.

Part-time work affects your socialsecurity and pension funds. Getthe relevant information!

There are several flexible working time models, independent of whether you work full-time or part-time. Some are more family-friendly than others. Changing shift-work is usually difficult for families. Flextime models, annual working hours etc. provide the necessary flexibility for parents in emergencies. However, flexibility becomes a problem when it is one-sided and only demanded of the employee. A family needs a certain degree of regularity and predictable hours. The children must be picked up from day-care at a certain time, school hours are regular, etc. Talk to your employer about flexible working time models, and all the consequences they entail.

Kindergarten and school

School hours are just as important for families as flexible working time models. Core time, school lunch and afternoon childcare make it easier for parents to reconcile work and family life. Find more information in the chapter «Professional Childcare».

Domestic and family work

If you strive to reconcile work and family life, you must also talk to your partner

about domestic work and childcare. If both parents work, domestic chores must be distributed fairly between both of them. Women still carry the main load of domestic work. A recent study carried out by the Federal Office of Statistics shows, however, that men with young children (the youngest is under 7) are willing to take on more domestic work. Their domestic workload has steadily grown in the past ten years.

If you want to find out whether domestic work and childcare are distributed fairly in your family, check the questionnaire on www.fairplay-at-home.ch. The website also offers tips and advice for fair play at home.

Returning to work

Mothers or fathers who have spent several years at home with their children face specific problems once they want to return to work. They have no connections and may have lost track of new technologies, new products or markets. Quite often, they also lack confidence and don’t value their own strengths. You will find counselling centres offering support listed below.

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Family and work: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Health protection during pregnancy

www.seco.admin.ch > Dokumentation > Publikationen und Formulare > Broschüren > Arbeit > Mutterschaft-Schutz der Arbeitnehmerinnen *

www.infomutterschaft.ch Maternity leave: health protection and daily allowance

Sozialversicherungsanstalt (social security office) Aargau: http://www.sva-ag.ch/dienstleistungen/mutterschaftsentschaedigung/

Sozialversicherungsanstalt (social security office) Basel-Landschaft: www.sva-bl.ch> Leistungen > Mutterschaftsentschädigung

Ausgleichskasse (social security office) des Kantons Basel-Stadt: www.ausgleichskasse-bs.ch/sozialversicherungen/mse.php?folder=6&parent=6

Ausgleichskasse (social security office) des Kantons Solothurn: https://www.akso.ch/lebenssituationen/partnerschaft-und-familie/mutterschaftsentschaedigung.html

Protection against dismissal Department Volkswirtschaft und Inneres: https://www.ag.ch/de/dvi/wirtschaft_arbeit/stellensuchende_ar

Amt für Industrie, Gewerbe und Arbeit (KIGA): www.bl.ch > Volkswirtschaft, Gesundheits > KIGA >

Das Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit (AWA) advices on work law: http://www.awa.bs.ch/arbeitne

Frauenzentrale Solothurn offers financial and legal advice http://www.frauenzentrale-

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beitslose/rechtsberatung/informationen_zu_kuendigungen/informationen_zu_kuendigungen_1.jsp?tabId=2&sectionId=155786

Dienstleistungen für Arbeitgebende und Arbeitnehmende > Merkblätter > Schwangerschaft/Geburt

hmende/arbeitsrecht/rechtsberatung.html

so.ch/?page_id=14

The principle of non-discrimination www.humanrights.ch > Themendossiers > Diskriminierungsverbot > Rechtslage in der Schweiz Parent’s rights Information by SECO on parent’s rights (e.g regarding missing work because a child is sick) http://www.seco.admin.ch/themen/00385/00420/04667/04679/?lang=de Paid/Unpaid paternity leave

www.travailsuisse.ch > Suche > Vaterschaftsurlaub

https://www.ch.ch/en/paternity-leave/ *

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Reconciling work and family life Fachstelle UND www.und-online.ch

Informationsplattform „Vereinbarkeit Beruf und Familie“ des Bundes http://www.berufundfamilie.admin.ch

Kontaktstelle Frau und Arbeit: www.professionelle.ch

Abteilung Gleichstellung von Frauen und Männer www.gleichstellung.bs.ch

Frauenzentrale Solothurn: http://www.frauenzentrale-so.ch/wordpress/

Part-time work and working time models Information by the federal office for gender equality between women and men (Eidgenössisches Büro für Gleichstellung EBG) on part-time work and social security

http://www.ebg.admin.ch/themen/00008/00486/00488/00490/index.html

Information for men who would like to work part-time http://www.teilzeitkarriere.ch/teilzeitmann.html

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Kindergarten and school

School lunch in the Canton of Aargau http://www.kinderbetreuung-aargau.ch/index.html

School lunch in the Canton of Baselland www.bl.ch>Bildung, Kultur, Sport> Kind, Jugend, Behinderte> Kind und Jugend> Kinderbetreuung> Mittagstische

School lunch in Basel http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulen/tagesstrukturen/mittagstische.html

Information about school lunch offers can be found on the homepages of the schools or the municipality. Sometimes women’s or parent’s associations are involved.

Domestic and family work Guide „ Fairplay at home“ of the Eidgenössisches Büro für Gleichstellung (EBG) : http://www.ebg.admin.ch/themen/00009/00088/00092/00412/ Returning to work

Ask! Counselling services for education and work Aargau: www.beratungsdienste-aargau.ch/berufseinstieg/wiedereinstieg.html

The contact centre Frau und Arbeit (woman and work) helps to plan returning to work: www.professionelle.ch

Amt für Berufsbildung und Berufsberatung BL: www.afbb.bl.ch

Berufsberatung Basel-Stadt: www.berufsberatung.bs.ch

Amt für Berufsbildung, Mittel- und Hochschulen Berufs-, Studien- und Laufbahnberatung https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/amt-fuer-berufsbildung-mittel-und-hochschulen/berufs-studien-und-laufbahnberatung/

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Book recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are only available in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent instead.

On the topic of reconciling work and family life

„ Und es geht doch! Wenn Väter mitziehen“ Von Barbara Lukesch, Wörterseh Verlag, 2015.

On the topic of part-time work

„ Der Teilzeitmann- Flexibel zwischen Beruf und Familie“ von Jürg Wiler und Claudio Zemp, Zytglogge Verlag, 2015.

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Professional childcare

Reconciling work and family life Is professional childcare good or

bad for children? Day-care centres Day-care families Nannies Au-Pairs Grandparents All-day schools School lunches at primary

schools School lunches at secondary

schools Healthy meals away from home Playgroups Helpful neighbours Finding professional childcare

online

Day-care, playgroup or crèche: Professional childcare has a positive effect on the child’s development and helps parents reconcile work and family life. Professional childcare does not replace the family; rather, it broadens the family network.

Children need other children for a healthy development. Several studies have shown that professional childcare is helpful. The children grow up to become confident and independent.

Professional childcare helps especially young families maintain financial independence. Even if one parent works only part-time, their income contributes significantly to the family’s financial security.

There are several forms of professional childcare to choose from. You have to find

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the model that suits you best, depending on the age of the children and the amount of professional childcare you need. But remember that your situation will change over time: the children grow older and become more independent, and you may change jobs.

Reconciling work and family life

Reconciling work and family life is always a challenge. Finding the best solution takes time and patience. It is not only about what is fair, but also about appreciating each partner’s contribution to the family.

«UND Office» has been publishing pioneering work on the subject for more than 20 years. They coach parents who are looking for a creative solution. Sign up online for an initial consultation.

Please also read the chapter on „family and work“ for more information.

Is professional childcare good or bad for children?

Most children are used to spending time away from home with professional carers. It will not alienate them from their parents. In fact, there are no significant differences between children who were raised at home and children who stayed in a crèche. Some studies, however, claim that professional childcare positively influences the children’s cognitive development. They learn to assert themselves within their peer group and grow up to be confident and independent.

A study on the performance of migrant children at school («Schulerfolg von Migrationskindern» by Andrea Lanfranchi (2002/2009)) shows that children from migrant families who spent time in professional childcare do better in primary school, speak better German and find friends more easily than those who were raised at home. Seen in this light, professional childcare improves opportunities for migrant children. However, whether the children continue to do well throughout their school years depends largely on the family’s support.

Day-care centres

Day-care centres and crèches need a license from the relevant authority. Children spend their time in a cosy and comfortable «home away from home» together with qualified day-care workers and pedagogues. They play with other children of different ages, spend lots of time running around outside and eat their meals together. Most crèches take in babies from the age of three months. School children come to the crèche after school, have lunch, do their homework and play with the other children. Day-care centres are generally open five days a week. Usually, children must spend at least one day per week in a crèche.

Professional childcare is not free of charge, though some municipalities subsidize crèches. The rates depend on the parents’ income and on the number of siblings staying at the crèche. It must be noted, however, that only half the crèches in Baselland are subsidized. The system of calculation for rates varies from town to town.

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Day-care families

Day-care families are a flexible and very personal form of professional childcare.

So called «Tagesmütter» (day-care mothers) are qualified childminders who care for children of all ages in their own homes. It is a very flexible form of childcare, as there are no fixed opening hours, and everything can be arranged directly between the childminder and the parents. Day-care families are a wonderful experience for children, almost like a second family.

Day-care families offer: Fixed hours of childcare (hours,

half days, or whole days) Childcare seven days a week Lunches

Parents get to choose their day-care family and have the opportunity to enter into a very personal relationship with their childminder. The hours are flexible, so parents get good value for their money. If you can’t find a registered day-care family in your town, don’t hesitate to ask your neighbour or a friend from the playground.

The federation of «Tagesfamilienvereine Nordwestschweiz VTN» acts as an umbrella organisation for all day-care families. The federation offers training courses for new day-care parents. You can find all the important addresses online:

Verband Tagesfamilienvereine Nordwestschweiz VTN, Farnsburgerstr. 8, 4132 Muttenz, Tel. 061 463 18 00 www.vtn.ch

Nannies

A nanny is an in-house childminder, who may or may not live with the family. The state does not subsidise private nannies, but some employers will contribute to the cost of a nanny. If you are looking for a nanny, contact one of the professional agencies. Be prepared to pay a commission fee of about a nanny’s monthly salary. If you employ a nanny, you are responsible for her contract, insurance and social security. It is important that your nanny be employed with a regular contract. Make sure your nanny is qualified, ideally as a «Fachfrau Betreuung», or licensed day-care worker.

Au-Pair

Young women or men from abroad come to live in a family for a year, working as a childminder and learning the local language. Au-pairs are considerably cheaper than a nanny. But you must be aware that they are not qualified and very young, so that you will almost be like a surrogate family for them.

Grandparents

Grandparents are indispensable as childminders, especially in Switzerland, where there is a lack of professional childcare. They are very flexible, reliable and available in emergencies. Even if they don’t spend time with their grandchildren regularly, they are a great support for the whole family.

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All-day schools

In Switzerland, all-day schools are a matter of choice for parents. The public schools usually close for lunch, so most all-day schools in Switzerland are private.

All-day schools offer professional childcare over lunch and outside the lessons. Childcare is voluntary, flexible and can be booked as needed. All-day schools are closed during the holidays.

Qualified childminders or teachers share a healthy lunch with the children in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. They organise games and outings, and help the children with their homework. There is a close cooperation with parents and teachers.

School lunches at primary school

Primary school kids have lunch at school, together with other children and under the care of qualified childminders. After lunch, the kids can relax, play or run around outside. Parents’ rates depend on their income. School lunches are usually prepared by private organisations such as youth centres or churches.

School lunches at secondary school

Secondary schools only organise school lunches if requested by the parents. If you want to start a school lunch at a secondary school, contact Esther Kilchmann at the «Fachstelle für Sonderschulung, Jugend- und Behindertenhilfe» (Office of Special Education, Adolescents and Children with Disabilities).

The Federal Social Insurance Office sponsors private initiatives for school

lunches (based on the law on state financial assistance for supplementary childcare).

Healthy meals away from home

School lunches must be healthy and balanced. Many children and adolescents are overweight because they eat too much junk food and don't get enough exercise.

In the Canton of Baselland for example, the «Gesundheitsförderung Baselland» (office for the promotion of public health) and the Domestic Science College Ebenrain started «schnitz und drunder», a training programme for cooks in crèches and school kitchens. These institutions act as role models for families and prepare healthy and balanced meals with vegetables in season. The experts of the Domestic Science College Ebenrain provide support in planning and improving meal plans without extra costs. There is also a useful printed guide.

Playgroups

Playing is indispensable to a child’s development. Playgroups for children from the age of three provide a familiar and protected space where they can play together, sing, craft, draw or listen to stories. The children are free to play whatever they wish, and whatever suits their needs. Playgroups are not preschools.

Playgroups consist of about six to ten children in the care of a qualified childminder. Opening hours are always the same, once or twice a week for two to three hours, usually in the morning.

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The «IG Spielgruppen Schweiz» organises training courses for childminders. You can find the relevant information on their website.

Helpful neighbours

There is always the possibility to get help from friends and neighbours – and help them in return. Friendly neighbours make life a lot easier for the whole family.

Finding professional childcare online

The office for children and families (Fachstelle Kinder & Familien) has launched an internet-platform for parents and childcare providers in Northwestern Switzerland and the cantons of Bern and Obwalden: http://www.kinderbetreuung-schweiz.ch/de-ch

The website provides an extensive overview of all childcare offers such as day-care, playgroups and school lunches. The information is constantly updated, to make sure that it is always accurate. Furthermore you can find explanations about the different forms of childcare, which might make it easier for you to choose what kind of childcare could suit your family.

Information on foster families can be found in the chapter on „family diversity“.

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Professional Childcare: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Reconciling work and family life

Parent coaching by the Fachstelle UND: www.und-online.ch> Privatpersonen> Elterncoaching Is professional childcare good or bad for children?

Day-care centres You can find information about childcare providers in all four cantons of northwestern Switzerland on the website below: www.kinderbetreuung-schweiz.ch

Search engine for childcare in the Canton of Aargau: http://www.kinderbetreuung-

aargau.ch/index.html

Fachstelle Kinder und Familien offers advice on childcare : http://www.kinderundfamilien.ch/

Licensed day-cares in Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/ekd/kjb/kind_jugend/kita_bl.pdf

The „Vermittlungsstelle Tagesheime“ has to be contacted in order to get a place in one of the subsidized day-cares: http://www.baslerfamilien.info/index.php/institutionen/vermittlungsstelle-tagesheime

Please consult the website below to find out about childcare providers in Solothurn:

http://www.kinderbetreuung-schweiz.ch/de-ch

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Day-care families Verband Tagesfamilien Nordwestschweiz: http://www.vtn.ch

Verband Tagesfamilien Nordwestschweiz: http://www.vtn.ch

Verband Tagesfamilien Nordwestschweiz: http://www.vtn.ch

Verband Tagesfamilien Nordwestschweiz: http://www.vtn.ch

Tagesfamilien Basel-Stadt: http://www.tagesfamilien.org/

Verband Tagesfamilien Nordwestschweiz: http://www.vtn.ch

Verein Tagesfamilien Solothurn: http://www.tagesfamilien-so.ch/

Nannies http://www.nannyvermittlung.ch

Au-Pairs Pro Filia Au-Pair Vermittlung: http://www.profilia.ch

Grandparents

Article on swissmom.ch: www.swissmom.ch> Familie> Zusammenleben> Kinderbetreuung> Die Krippe Grosi¨

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn All-day schools

„Bildung + Betreuung“- Schweizerischer Verband für schulische Tagesbetreuung: http://www.bildung-betreuung.ch/

Tagesschule Baden: http://www.schule-baden.ch/Kindergarten-Primar/Tagesschule

Tagesschule Bottmingen: http://www.bottmingen.ch/schule/tagesschule/Konzept.php

Tagesstrukturen der Volksschulen des Kantons Basel-Stadt: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulen/tagesstrukturen.html

Freiwillige Tagesschulen der Stadt Solothurn: http://www.stadtschulen-solothurn.ch/de/tagesschulen/tagesschulenmain/

School lunches at primary schools/ at secondary schools Finacial aid for school lunch projects*: http://www.bsv.admin.ch/praxis/kinderbetreuung/01153/index.html?lang=de

Dachverband Mittagstische Aargau: http://dtma.ch/

Mittagstische im Kanton Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/Mittagstische.317391.0.html

Mittagstische im Kanton Basel-Stadt: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/schulen/tagesstrukturen/mittagstische.html

Please inform yourself at your local school or municipality to find out whether or not school lunches are offered.

Healthy lunches away from home Advice on healthy meals for the whole family can be found on the website of the „Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz“ http://gesundheitsfoerderung.ch/bevoelkerung/empfehlungen/ernaehrung-und-bewegung.html

Gsund und zwäg im Aargau

https://www.ag.ch/de/dgs/gesundheit/gesundheitsfoerderungpraevention/gsund_und_zwaeg/gsund_und_zwaeg_im_aargau.jsp

Programm Schnitz und drunder www.schnitzunddrunder.bl.ch

Aktion „Znünibox“ (in kindergarten) Rüebli, Zimt & Co (in primary school)

http://www.gesundheit.bs.ch/schulgesundheit/angebote/ernaehrung.html

Programm Znünibox: http://www.znunibox.ch/

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Playgroups

IG Spielgruppen Schweiz http://www.spielgruppen.ch/

Schweizerischer Spielgruppen-Leiterinnen-Verband http://www.sslv.ch/

Fach- und Kontaktstelle für Spielgruppen Basel und Region: www.fks-bsplusregion.ch

Fach- und Kontaktstelle für Spielgruppen Basel und Region: www.fks-bsplusregion.ch

Fach- und Kontaktstelle für Spielgruppen Basel und Region: www.fks-bsplusregion.ch

Fach- und Kontaktstelle für Spielgruppen Basel und Region: www.fks-bsplusregion.ch

Helpful neighbours http://www.nachbarnetz.ch/ http://www.benevol-

aargau.ch/nachbarnetz/nachbarnetze-im-kanton/

http://www.nachbarnetbasel.ch/

Finding professional childcare online http://www.kinderbetreuung-schweiz.ch/de-ch

http://www.kinderbetreuung-aargau.ch/index.html

Licensed day-care centres in Baselland:

https://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/ekd/kjb/kind_jugend/kita_bl.pdf

The „Vermittlungsstelle Tagesheime“ has to be contacted to get a place in a subsidized day-care centre. http://www.baslerfamilien.info/index.php/institutionen/vermittlungsstelle-tagesheime

www.kinderbetreuung-schweiz.ch

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Finances

A budget provides clarity Debt: get help immediately Government support Boosting your salary: child

allowances Reduction of health insurance

premiums Taxes: cantonal and federal

deductions for children Supplementary benefits to AHV

and IV Social welfare: helping people to

help themselves

Raising a family is a bit like managing a small business, with the goal of such a venture being to support the personal development of each family member through material assistance, emotional security and love. To achieve this goal, a family needs to establish clear guidelines such as well-defined areas of responsibility and a budget to manage family finances. When starting a family, it helps to gain an overview of the family’s financial situation.

Similar to small businesses, families rely on middle and long-term planning to grow and prosper: they build resources – to be used for the children’s education and for retirement. They raise the next generation that will pay taxes, finance the pension system and support the economy. Strengthening a family’s independence is an investment in the future.

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The income and assets of a family vary widely in different stages of life. Young families with several children as well as single parent families often need to be especially rigorous in their planning. It is important for parents to know how to draw up a household budget and where to turn for financial advice and help.

A budget provides clarity

A budget helps you to balance income and expenses. It is a useful tool not only in extreme financial situations. Drawing up a budget together with your spouse provides clarity for both partners. At times when money is tight, using a household budget to control expenses is especially important.

There is no «right or wrong» system. Some families hold several bank accounts or keep a budget book. Others use labelled envelopes or wallets. The main thing is to apply your chosen system consistently. Drawing up a budget involves first making a detailed list of income and expenses. The templates provided by Budgetberatung Schweiz can facilitate this task for you.

Budgetberatung Schweiz offers a range of services, from articles and book lists to sample budgets and financial planning templates.

Why not try a household budget book? These books explain how to draw up a budget and contain worksheets to list expenses every month. Large retail stores like Migros and Coop sell them at their customer service counters.

Of course, tools are only as good as the user. The most important point is to balance income and expenses. It’s up to you to implement the changes that make this possible!

Debt: get help immediately

Debt can occur due to extreme situations such as unemployment, separation or illness. Often, however, people get tripped up by so-called debt traps, like using credit cards to buy goods and services they can’t afford, entering into expensive leasing contracts or taking out small loans.

Teenagers are especially prone to imprudent spending through credit cards. By involving your child in budget planning, you encourage the responsible handling of money and invite your child to play an active role in family management.

Debt can also occur as a result of deferring tax payments. Waiting for a year-end bonus to pay taxes is risky. It is better to consider taxes as monthly expenses on a par with rent and health insurance, make them an integral part of your budget and pay them immediately.

Contact a debt counsellor before you lose control of unpaid bills. Good advice need not be expensive. Professional debt counsellors simply help their clients to help themselves.

Residents of the Canton of Basel-Landschaft and the municipalities of Bättwil, Dornach, Hofstetten-Flüh, Rodersdorf and Witterswil can obtain a free telephone consultation from the «Fachstelle für Schuldenfragen BL» (Centre for Debt Management BL). Depending on the situation of the

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individual seeking help, the centre also offers in-depth counselling in its offices. The centre runs courses in debt avoidance for teenagers at high schools and vocational schools as well as in companies that train apprentices.

Government support

By raising children, parents fulfil a social responsibility and bear a greater financial burden than people without children. The state rewards this effort with financial benefits for families. The most important benefits are child and education allowances. The state provides further support for parents in the form of tax concessions and – depending on the parents’ level of income – reduction of health insurance premiums. These benefits are determined by the cantons.

Boosting your salary: child allowances

Child allowances supplement your income and lighten the financial burden of raising a family. Child allowances start the month the child is born. Submit your application to your employer together with the birth certificate or family record book. The allowance is paid in addition to your net wage and listed separately on your pay slip. Child and education allowances in no case justify the reduction of salary payments. One allowance per child is the rule, so the allowance is not doubled if both parents are employed.

Stepchildren, adoptive children and foster children are also eligible for child and education allowances.

Child allowances depend on the parents’ income. Parents must earn a minimum of CHF 570 per month or CHF 6’840 per year

to qualify. Each child receives the full monthly allowance (exception: in the month that employment starts or ends, the allowance is prorated based on the number of days worked in that month).

Should neither parent be employed, the family may still be entitled to child allowances. Contact your cantonal compensation office (Ausgleichskasse) for further information.

In most cases, family allowances are paid by the employer. If you work for an employer who is not liable for contributions, the allowances are paid directly by the family allowances compensation fund (Familienausgleichskasse). Non-employed parents receive allowances from the AHV office of the canton of residence. The following persons are eligible for child and education allowances: • Employers with a place of business

in the canton Basel-Landschaft who areliable for AHV contributions according tofederal law.

• The self-employed, with a place ofbusiness in the canton Basel-Landschaftand who are liable for AHV contributions.

• Employees as defined by socialsecurity and AHV legislation who areemployed in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft.

• Persons working for employers notliable for AHV contributions who areresidents of the canton Basel-Landschaft

•Non-employed persons (as definedby AHV legislation) who receive neither anAHV-pension nor supplementary benefitsand whose taxable income does not

exceed 150% of the maximum AHV-pension.

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Reduction of health insurance premiums

In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory to ensure access to basic health care. These websites offer comparisons of mandatory health insurance premiums: • www.praemien.admin.ch• www.comparis.ch

The government pays part of the mandatory health insurance cost for families with modest financial means. Such premium reductions are determined at the cantonal level. Whether or not you qualify for premium reductions depends on your income and the number of children in your family. They are calculated based on your tax return, so it is important that you hand in your tax return on time. If you qualify for premium reductions, you will automatically receive an application form telling you the amount of the premium reduction. New arrivals can pick up a request form at their place of residence (Gemeinde).

Taxes: cantonal and federal deductions for children

There are two types of family taxation: joint and separate assessment.

Joint assessment

Couples in unseparated marriage and same-sex couples in a registered partnership are jointly assessed. Income, deductions and assets are calculated to determine a couple’s total economic capacity, independent of the matrimonial property regime (Güterstand). Thus, it

makes no difference whether a property is held jointly or separately.

By means of compensation, only half the income that determines the tax rate is used to compute cantonal taxes (income splitting). Income splitting does not apply to direct federal taxes (direkte Bundessteuer). However, a favourable tax rate is used to calculate federal taxes. If both partners are gainfully employed, an additional deduction is granted (double-income household).

You can deduct a fixed amount per child from your cantonal income tax. As for direct federal income tax (direkte Bundessteuer), a fixed amount per child is deducted from your taxable income before calculation of tax payable. In order to qualify for child deductions, you must meet the requirements on the effective date (generally December 31st of the tax year). The deductions are to be made by the person who has parental authority for the child and in whose household the child lives (common household). Once a child comes of age (at the age of 18) but is still in school or vocational training and not able to cover living costs, deductions continue to apply. If both parents are working and/or invalid, the costs of third-party childcare for children under 15 years of age can be deducted from the taxable income used for cantonal income tax (max. CHF 5’500 per year per child).

The income and property of a child is taxable. Before a child is 18, the person with parental authority is taxable for the child’s earnings and property. After the age of 18, a child files his or her own tax return.

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Seperate assessment

Separate assessment applies to cohabiting couples, separated or divorced couples and single-parent families. Separate assessment takes effect in the year of separation or divorce for the full tax period. The couple’s status at the end of the tax year determines which system is applied. Taxation of alimony payments is as follows: The person making alimony payments can deduct these from taxable income. The person receiving the payments adds them to taxable income. This rule does not apply in the case of a lump-sum settlement.

Alimonies can only be deducted up to a child’s 18th birthday. Payments made after this point may no longer be deducted. However, if the child is still in school or training and requires financial support, a parent can make so-called support payments. After a child’s 18th birthday, support payments are considered part of the child’s taxable income rather than the custodian’s. By law, support payments are tax-free for the person making them, as long as they are in fact contributions to the support and education of the child.

If you have custody of your children and are responsible for raising them, you can continue to apply income splitting and child deductions after your children have come of age, as long as they are still in school or training. If you are working or invalid, the costs for third-party childcare for children under the age of 15 can be deducted from the taxable income for cantonal income tax (max. CHF 5’500 per child). If the parents have joint custody, the favourable tax rate and child deductions can be applied by the parent

receiving alimonies. As child deductions are limited to one per child, only one parent can apply the deduction.

Supplementary benefits to AHV and IV

When AHV or IV pensions do not cover the costs of living, supplementary benefits can be claimed under certain conditions. The person’s legal place of residence must be in Switzerland, the person must actually be living here and be the recipient of an AHV/IV pension, an IV helplessness allowance or an IV daily allowance for at least 6 months. The supplements are calculated according to the recipient’s needs by comparing approved expenses and income (including assets and any income from part-time work).

Social welfare: helping people to help themselves

The Social Services of towns and municipalities are responsible for advising people in need, offering help themselves or providing information on where help can be found. They value each human being and individual situation and strive to help people achieve integration into social networks and the workplace. In situations of extreme financial need, the social workers apply for welfare benefits, which are paid according to cantonal regulations.

Every application is dealt with carefully and confidentially. It is always best to tackle problems at an early stage. Don’t hesitate to make use of the assistance offered by Social Services.

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In accordance with the principle of helping people to help themselves, the Social Services offer:

counselling in personal, legal andfinancial matters

information about support offeredby other social institutions

referrals to other social institutions

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Finances: Adresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn A budget provides clarity

Budgetberatung Schweiz www.budgetberatung.ch

Budgetberatung Aargau: http://www.budgetberatung-ag.ch/

Budgetberatung Baselland: http://www.frauenverein-muttenz.ch/budgetberatung/

Budget- und Schuldenberatung Basel-Stadt: http://www.schulden.ch/dynasite.cfm?dsmid=76281

Schuldenberatung Aargau-Solothurn http://www.schulden-ag-so.ch/

Debt: get help immediately! www.profamilia.ch > Hilfe > Familienfinanzen > Budgetplanung

Schuldenberatung Schweiz http://www.schulden.ch/

I am in debt- what effects does this have? * https://www.ch.ch/en/debts-what-effects/

Debt enforcement, debts and bankruptcy https://www.ch.ch/en/debt-enforcement-bankruptcy

Schuldenberatung Aargau-Solothurn http://www.schulden-ag-so.ch/

Fachstelle für Schuldenberatung BL (und Bezirk Dorneck) www.schuldenberatung-bl.ch

Budget- und Schuldenberatung der Familien- Paar und Erziehungsberatung (Fabe) http://www.fabe.ch/beratungsangebot/finanzen-verschuldung.html Some municipalities in Baselland have an agreement with the Fabe.

Familea counselling for women (incl. budget counselling): http://www.familea.ch/de/Frauenberatung

Schuldenberatung Aargau-Solothurn http://www.schulden-ag-so.ch/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Government support

Boosting your salary: child allowances The „Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen“ informs about family allowances: http://www.bsv.admin.ch/themen/zulagen/00059/index.html?lang=de

Guide about family allowances: http://www.sva-ag.ch/dienstleistungen/familienausgleichskasse/familienzulagen/

Guide about family allowances: https://www.sva-bl.ch/de/familienzulagen/

Family allowances in Basel-Stadt: http://www.ausgleichskasse-bs.ch/sozialversicherungen/fak.php?folder=6&mainId=666&parent=664

Family allowances in Solothurn http://www.akso.ch/dienstleistungen/leistungen/ergaenzungsleistungen-fuer-familien-famel.html

Reduction of health insurance premiums

Comparison of health insurance premiums: www.praemien.admin.ch www.comparis.ch

Ausgleichskasse Aargau (SVA) http://www.sva-ag.ch/dienstleistungen/individuelle-praemienverbilligung/

Sozialversicherungsanstalt Basel-Landschaft www.sva-bl.ch > Leistungen > Prämienverbilligung in der Krankenversicherung

Amt für Sozialbeiträge (ASB): http://www.asb.bs.ch

Ausgleichskasse des Kanton Solothurn: https://www.akso.ch/dienstleistungen/leistungen/individuelle-praemienverbilligung-ipv.html

Taxes: cantonal and federal deductions for children Department Finanzen und Ressourcen: https://www.ag.ch/de/dfr/steuern/natuerliche_personen/steuerthemen_natuerliche_personen/stpfl1/stpfl2_familie_1/stpfl2_familie1.jsp

Finanz- und Kirchendirektion Baselland: www.bl.ch> Finanzen, Kirchen> Steuern

Finanzdepartement Basel-Stadt: http://www.steuerverwaltung.bs.ch/

Steueramt Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/finanzdepartement/steueramt/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Supplementary benefits to AHV and IV

The „Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen“ informs about supplementary benefits: http://www.bsv.admin.ch/themen/ergaenzung/aktuell/

Ausgleichskasse Aargau (SVA) http://www.sva-ag.ch/dienstleistungen/ergaenzungsleistungen/

Sozialversicherungsanstalt Basel-Landschaft www.sva-bl.ch > Leistungen > Ergänzungsleistungen zur AHV und IV

Amt für Sozialbeiträge (ASB): http://www.asb.bs.ch/alter-behinde rung/ergaenzungsleistungen.html

Ausgleichskasse des Kanton Solothurn: https://www.akso.ch/dienstleistungen/leistungen/ergaenzungsleistungen.html

Social welfare: helping people to help themselves Guidelines on social welfare by the SKOS: www.skos.ch > Deutsch > SKOS-Richtlinien > Richtlinien konsultieren

Kantonaler Sozialdienst: https://www.ag.ch/de/dgs/ueber_uns_dgs/organisation_dgs/ksd/kantonalersozialdienst.jsp

Please consult with the social services of your municipality or with the cantonal office for social welfare: www.bl.ch > Finanzen, Kirchen > Sozialamt

Help for residents of Basel-Stadt who need social welfare: http://www.sozialhilfe.bs.ch

Amt für soziale Sicherheit: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/sozialhilfe/

Book recommendations Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available in German only. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the topic of finances

„Mit Geld richtig umgehen- Budget, Sparen, Wege aus der Schuldenfalle“ Von Gabriela Baumgartner, Beobachter Verlag, 2012.

On the topic of social welfare

„Sozialhilfe -Rechte, Chancen und Grenzen“ Von Toni Wirz, Beobachter Verlag, 2012.

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Migration - Integration

• General information• Family reunification• Raising children – a matter of

personal choice• Early immersion• Diversity in the classroom• Moving up - vocational training/

apprenticeships• Services for women and mothers• Health promotion• Bicultural families• Forced marriage• Health• Female circumcision• Living in Switzerland

Many reasons lead people to leave their home country and immigrate to Switzerland or elsewhere. Some come here to work, others flee from war or seek protection from persecution. Switzerland’s present prosperity was built on cultural exchanges through immigration – the Romans taught us their alphabet, the Huguenots laid the foundation for the chemical industry in Basel with their knowledge of the production and use of colours, and Italian families enriched our culinary traditions.

Integration is a process of give and take. One of the keys to this mutual exchange is the local language. The core of many integration projects is to facilitate access to our language for immigrants. Learning the local language(s) lays the groundwork for an advanced level of integration – in social networks, in the workplace and at school.

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General information

The main regional agencies around Basel are the «Fachstelle Integration» of the canton Baselland, the «Ausländerdienst Baselland» and the immigration help centre of the «Gesellschaft für das Gute und Gemeinnützige (GGG) Basel». An overview of all these immigration-related services is presented on a shared website. Services of the «Ausländerdienst Baselland» include: counselling, integration projects, interpreting and translation, information for new arrivals, German classes, civics classes, assessment of one’s current personal and professional situation, workplace integration.

The migrant newspaper MIX deals with concerns of the migrant population of the cantons Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Solothurn and Zurich. Each issue has a particular focus. The following issues focus on family-related topics: nr. 02/December 2000, Children and school; nr. 07/June 2003, Juvenile violence; nr. 12/April 2006, Youth unemployment. Migration newspaper MIX as PDF: www.aller-anfang-ist-begegnung.ch >Mix - Migrationszeitung

Family reunification

Based on the revised immigration act, Swiss citizens and persons from countries outside the EU (third-country nationals) with a residence permit or permanent residence permit may bring their foreign spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age to Switzerland if they intend to live together in a suitable residence. Families must have sufficient finances and must not be facing or have faced prosecution.

Deadlines Family reunification must be applied for within five years upon arrival. Children older than 12 years of age must be brought into the country within 12 months. Asylum Temporarily admitted persons – that is, rejected asylum seekers who are allowed to stay in Switzerland for a limited period of time – may bring their families into the country after a minimum of three years, provided they live together in a suitable residence and the family is not dependent on welfare.

Teenage children Teenagers aged 15 to 18 are rarely granted entry permits, as it is difficult at this age for young people to keep up with their peers in the educational system. Children living abroad should therefore be brought into the country as early as possible.

EU/EFTA-citizens The agreement on the free movement of persons allows EU/EFTA citizens who are in possession of a Swiss residence permit to bring their families into the country. This right is independent of nationality and includes: • spouse, children (or spouse’s children)

who are younger than 21 years of age

and dependant children

• dependant parents or parents ofspouse.

Third-country nationals If family members are third-country nationals, they may enter and stay in Switzerland only if they have previously

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been permanent residents of a EU/EFTA state. If this is not the case, the regulations for third-country nationals apply.

Students Students may bring only their spouse and dependant children into the country.

The cantonal migration office can give you further information.

Raising children – a matter of personal choice

In Switzerland as in other countries, each family, maybe even each parent, has their own view on how to bring up their children. Still, people who live in a certain area tend to share common values. These may differ from the values held by people from other countries. Such differences can lead to misunderstandings.

On the playground

Children of a «typical» Swiss family often play with each other in a playground, under the watchful eye of their mothers (or more rarely, their fathers). Playgrounds are an important meeting and networking place for parents. We encourage all parents with small children to use the public playgrounds!

Kindergarten and school

The participation of parents in school life greatly benefits a child’s integration and social development. At parent-teacher meetings and other events, you get to know the teachers and other parents. You can help your child simply by taking an interest in school and kindergarten and your child’s homework. The way you structure family life can have a huge

influence on your child’s performance at school: Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy diet (see the chapter «Health and Diet»), and spends time outdoors. Children who are active and exercise are also better at concentrating.

Family relationships

Maintaining a close relationship between children and parents is not always easy. Playing games, reading out loud and talking with each other are activities that strengthen the family bond and teach your child useful social skills at the same time.

Gender roles

The influence of gender roles on a child’s development is significant. In our pluralistic society, it is okay for a boy to cry now and again or for a girl to be the strong one. Observe your environment and be inspired by flexible models for men and women.

Early Immersion

Children generally perform better at school if they spend time at day nurseries before reaching compulsory school age. Extrafamilial childcare is a popular institution that is affordable, open to all and gives your child a head start in learning the new language and culture.

Please consult the chapter on „professional childcare“for useful addresses.

Diversity in the classroom

Today’s classrooms are places of diversity that bring together pupils of different geographic, cultural and social backgrounds. This diversity impacts

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teaching and often also influences a child’s scholastic development.

Individualised instruction

Studies have shown that the Swiss school system is only partially successful in supporting the needs of children from different backgrounds. On the other hand, many teachers have started to give pupils supplementary resources, in addition to the required class material, that is customized to meet each individual’s needs.

Native language and culture classes

Public and private organisations offer classes in native language and culture. Besides written and spoken language instruction, the classes also teach cultural traditions of the country of origin. Native language and culture classes are normally held outside the regular curriculum.

Learning German

Children starting kindergarten, primary or secondary school in the Canton of Baselland who speak little or no German can benefit from a range of programmes to learn German. The school board decides whether the child is best suited to attend a foreign language class or take an intensive course in German as a second language. No further evaluation is necessary. The following programmes are on offer:

1. Foreign language classes at primary

school

Pupils who speak no German at all normally attend a foreign language class. According to their capabilities, they

gradually take part in the lessons of their future class. Foreign language lessons normally last one year.

2. Intensive course in German as asecond language

Pupils who do not speak German can choose to take an intensive course in German as a second language instead of enrolling in a foreign language class. The intensive course lasts a year at the most and takes place side-by-side with regular lessons. At the end of either the intensive course or the foreign language class, children can take further courses in German as a foreign language.

3. Courses in German as a foreignlanguage (Deutsch als Zweitsprache, DaZ)

Pupils with an insufficient knowledge of German receive remedial instruction, available for two years in kindergarten and an additional three years in primary school.

Moving up - vocational training/ apprenticeships

Completing vocational training is extremely important for young people to establish themselves socially and financially. The apprenticeship model is an extremely successful component of the Swiss educational system. An apprenticeship lays the foundation for a successful career. People who have completed an apprenticeship often have even better professional prospects than university graduates. There are two types of apprenticeship certificates: the two-year «Eidgenössisch anerkanntes Berufsattest (EBA)» (basic federal certificate) or the

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three- to four-year «Eidgenössisches Fähigkeitszeugnis (EFZ)» (advanced federal certificate). Apart from receiving vocational training in the workplace, apprentices take classes at least one day a week.

The new service «Elterntreff Berufswahl» (available in nine languages) introduces parents to the Swiss system of vocational training and highlights the importance of parental support for the education and training of their children.

Teenagers who have difficulty finding an apprenticeship can seek support through career counselling or find a mentor. There are mentoring programmes for young women especially, but also for young men. Several other services help young people improve their performance at school, raise their chances of finding an apprenticeship and prepare for starting a career.

Adults who did not graduate from high school and wish to obtain their high school diploma at a later point can do this by taking a one-year course called «Link zum Beruf» provided by the «Allgemeine Gewerbeschule Basel» (AGS Basel).

Adults who did not finish their apprenticeship can complete their training on a part-time basis while continuing to work. If someone has acquired solid knowledge and practical skills in a certain profession, they can take the final apprenticeship examination without actually having an apprenticeship contract.

The Red Cross offers a nursing assistant training course. Completing the course qualifies you to work in elder or childcare. To find out if you qualify for educational

grants, contact the «Amt für Berufsbildung und Berufsberatung».

Services for women and mothers

In some cantons there are special offers for women and mothers to learn the language and to function better in daily life. In the Canton of Baselland for example the „Ausländerdienst Baselland“ offers a special class called „Connectica“. «Connectica» is a language course focusing on common everyday language and designed to help mothers settle into their new life in Switzerland. While the mums are in class, their children are looked after by German-speaking child carers

Bicultural families

Having different nationalities in one family creates a unique chance to get to know and love other ways of thinking. At the same time, situations arise daily that put mutual understanding to the test. The counselling centre for binational couples and families («Beratungsstelle für binationale Paare und Familien») offers support in dealing with formalities, but also with the particular challenges bicultural families face.

You can find further information in the part on bicultural families in the chapter on “family diversity”.

Forced marriage

Forced marriage is illegal under Swiss law. Forced marriages differ from arranged marriages, where potential partners are introduced to each other through an intermediary, but decide themselves whether or not they want to marry.

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The threat of forced marriage is greatest for young women. Couples in forced marriages often assume traditional gender roles. Changing gender attitudes and achieving true integration requires openness on both sides. Our society must provide young adults with real opportunities for self-fulfillment if we are to prevent them from withdrawing into traditional roles.

Health

If you are unfamiliar with the Swiss health care system, it can be quite confusing. The Red Cross offers a course called «VIA Gesundheitswegweiser» that introduces you to the health care system.

The website www.migesplus.ch has compiled a wealth of information for migrants on health related issues such as children, women, love, sexuality, addiction, crisis, prevention, and health care. You can also download a brochure explaining the Swiss health care system. The brochure, which is available in 18 languages, was used as the basis for the Red Cross course mentioned above.

Female circumcision

The circumcision of girls is considered serious bodily injury. More and more countries where circumcision is practiced are starting to acknowledge this fact. Neither the Bible nor the Koran recommends circumcision. In Switzerland, circumcision of girls is a serious crime that will be prosecuted.

For a long time, female circumcision was considered a taboo. With her book «Desert Flower», the Somali writer Waris

Dirie increased awareness for this topic in the western world.

Living in Switzerland

When searching for a flat or signing a lease, it is important to be familiar with Swiss regulations.

An information sheet in 11 languages can be downloaded from the website of the Federal Office for Housing («Bundesamt für Wohnungswesen»).

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Migration-Integration: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn General Information The state secretariat for migration SEM is responsible for all issues concerning migration and integration at federal level *: https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html

The platform hallo-aargau.ch informs new residents in many languages about living in the Canton of Aargau and where to find help: * www.hallo-aargau.ch

Anlaufstelle Integration Aargau http://www.integrationaargau.ch/

DVI Migration und Integration https://www.ag.ch/de/dvi/migration_integration/migration_integration.jsp

Integrationsdatenbank Basel-Stadt und Basel-Land www.integration-bsbl.ch

Fachbereich Integration www.baselland.ch > Sicherheit > Fachstelle Integration

Ausländerdienst Baselland www.auslaenderdienstbl.ch

Integrationsdatenbank Basel-Stadt und Basel-Land www.integration-bsbl.ch

Präsidialdepartement Integration Basel-Stadt http://www.entwicklung.bs.ch/integration.html

Migrationsamt Basel http://www.bdm.bs.ch/Ueber-uns/Organisation/Migrationsamt.html

Fachstelle Integration des Kanton Solothurns: http://www.integration.so.ch/willkommen/

Migrationsamt Solothurn https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/migrationsamt/

Family reunification Family reunification: https://www.ch.ch/en/family-reunification1/

Raising children- a matter of personal choice

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Early immersion

Diversity in the classroom Volksschule Aargau: https://www.schulen-aargau.ch/kanton/Pages/default.aspx

Information about DAZ-Education (German as a second language): https://www.schulen-aargau.ch/kanton/besondere_foerderung/daz/Pages/default.aspx

Schools in Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/Schulen.273899.0.html

Guide on kindergarten and primaryschool education in Baselland https://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/ekd/brosch/bildungsangebot_kg-ps.pdf

Volksschule Basel-Stadt: http://www.volksschulen.bs.ch/

Information about DAZ-Education (German as a second language): https://www.edubs.ch/dienste/Dienste-VS/ffi/deutsch-als-zweitsprache

Volksschule Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/schulsystem/

Special support for children who do not speak german: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/foerdern/spezielle-foerderung/

Moving up- vocational training and apprenticeships

Berufsberatung Schweiz:

www.berufsberatung.ch

Lehrstellennachweis Aargau: www.ag.ch/lena

Berufseinstieg: http://www.beratungsdienste-aargau.ch/berufseinstieg/stellensuche-und-arbeitsmarkt.html

Lehrstellennachweis beider Basel: www.lenabb.ch.

Berufsberatung Basel-Land: https://www.baselland.ch/Berufsberatung-BiZ.315553.0.html

Mentoringprogramme: https://www.baselland.ch/Ment

Lehrstellennachweis beider Basel: www.lenabb.ch.

Berufsberatung Basel-Stadt: http://www.mb.bs.ch/beratung/beratungsstellen/berufsberatung.html Mentoring für Jugendliche: http://www.mb.bs.ch/beratung/

Lehrstellennachweis Solothurn: http://www.berufsberatung.ch/dyn/1235.aspx

Berufsberatung Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/amt-fuer-berufsbildung-

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Brückenangebote: http://www.beratungsdienste-aargau.ch/berufswahlstudienwahl/wege-zur-lehrstelle/brueckenangebote-und-zwischenloesungen.html

Junior Mentoring: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/berufsbildung_mittelschulen/berufsvorbereitung_zwischenloesungen/junior_mentoring/junior_mentoring.jsp Ausbildungsbeiträge Aargau: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/hochschulen/stipendien_1/stipendien.jsp

oring.315523.0.html

Brückenangebote: https://www.baselland.ch/Brueckenangebote.308581.0.html

Berufsintegration: https://www.baselland.ch/Berufsintegration-BL.319739.0.html

Ausbildungsbeiträge: https://www.baselland.ch/Ausbildungsbeitraege.306063.0.html

beratungsstellen/mentoring.html

Zentrum für Brückenangebote: http://www.sba-basel.ch/

Ausbildungsbeiträge: http://www.hochschulen.bs.ch/ueber-uns/organisation/amt-ausbildungsbeitraege.html

mittel-und-hochschulen/berufs-studien-und-laufbahnberatung/berufsberatung/ Brückenangebote: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/amt-fuer-berufsbildung-mittel-und-hochschulen/berufsfachschulen-bbz/brueckenangebote-zwischenloesungen/ Ausbildungsbeiträge: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/departementssekretariat/stipendien/

Services for women and mothers MuKi-Deutsch: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/kindergarten_volksschule/unterricht_schulbetrieb/schule_interkulturelles/fruehe_foerderung/fruehe_foerderung.jsp

Sprachkurs «Connectica»: www.auslaenderdienstbl.ch > Angebote > Deutschkurse > Connectica 1/2/3

Sprachförderung und Integration für Migranten und Migrantinnen: http://www.mb.bs.ch/weiterbildung/sprachfoerderung-integration.html#page_section3_section2

Subventionierte Deutschkurse: http://www.integration.so.ch/sprache/deutschkurse/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Bicultural families

Association of Counselling Agencies for Binational and Intercultural Couples and Families, Switzerland: www.binational.ch *

Association of binational couples and families http://www.ig-binational.ch/

Aargau has no specialized counselling agency for binational couples and families. You can find general information on the following website http://www.binational.ch/ *

Counselling Agency for binational and intercultural couples and families in Basel: Steinengraben 69, 4051 Basel http://www.binational-bs.ch/ * Counselling is offered in German, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Counselling Agency for binational and intercultural couples and families in Basel: Steinengraben 69, 4051 Basel http://www.binational-bs.ch/ * Counselling is offered in German, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Frabina Counselling Agency for binational couples and families in Solothurn and Olten * http://www.frabina.ch/welcome

Forced marriage

www.zwangsheirat.ch > verwandte Themen > Familie und Gesellschaft

Information by Integration Aargau on forced marriage: http://www.integrationaargau.ch/projekte/zwangsheirat/

Guide by the Canton of Aargau on forced marriage: http://www.gegen-zwangsheirat.ch/images/Infoblaetter/140618_Broschuere_A5_2014_low_einzel.pdf

Leaflet on forced marriage by the „Ausländerdienst Baselland“ www.auslaenderdienst.ch>Download>Zwangsheirat

Project against forced marriage by the GGG Ausländerberatung including a documentary which can be ordered for free: http://www.auslaenderberatung-basel.ch/zwangsheirat.html

Beratungsstelle Opferhilfe Aargau/Solothurn: http://www.opferhilfe-ag-so.ch/index.php?ds=294

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Health

www.migesplus.ch Gesünder Basel has special programs for migrants: www.gsuenderbasel.ch > Gesundheit für MigrantInnen

Informationen and classes of the Red Cross of Solothurn on health and migration: http://www.srk-solothurn.ch/index.php?id=9

Female circumcision

Information by Caritas Switzerland on female circumcision ( FGM) http://www.caritas.ch/de/was-wir-tun/engagement-schweiz/integration-und-chancengleichheit/maedchenbeschneidung/ Living in Switzerland Bundesamt für Wohnungswesen, guide in 11 languages * www.bwo.admin.ch > Dokumentation > Publikationen > Infoblatt Wohnen > Infoblatt

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Book recommendations Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available only in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the topic of female circumcision

„Desert Flower“, by Waris Dirie, William Morrow Paperbacks, 2011.

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Holidays and Recreation

Family holidays Hiking with children Playing together TV, computer, games –

opportunities and risks What to do in your spare time Trips and outings around Basel Art, museums, Augusta Raurica Every family should have one:

Familienpass Close to nature: Robinson

Playgrounds Music schools Music and dance for children Children’s theatres Children’s birthdays Libraries Toys and games libraries Sports and excercise Holiday and recreation for

children and adolescents:special offers

Nothing gives more pleasure than children laughing and enjoying themselves. Happy children make happy parents. When planning a family holiday, both adults and children must get their share of fun and comfort. There is nothing worse than nagging children and stressed-out parents. We have collected a few suggestions for activities and outings ideal for families. Some of them need careful planning, others don’t need any at all. Enjoy!

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Family Holidays

If you want to plan your family holiday with your children, you will need to discuss the following questions: Which country do you want to visit?

Where will you find something foreveryone – by the sea, in themountains or in the city?

What do you and your children liketo do?

Do you prefer a luxury camper vanor a simple tent?

Are you travelling with friends ortaking another child?

Travel sickness • If you drive with children, drive at

night, because their sense ofbalance is less active.

• Serve a light meal before travelling.• On the trip, your children should

eat some zwieback, salt sticks orbiscuits.

• Small sips of lukewarm Cokesoothe the stomach.

• The air in the car should be clearand fresh. Avoid alcohol, coffeeand tobacco.

• Children should not read whiledriving.

• Chewing gum or jelly beans helpthe stomach.

Stranger anxiety on holiday • Don’t force your child to go up to

strangers.• Show your child that you are there

and won’t leave without him or her.• Always let your child know where

you are.

• If you leave your child with a childminder, make sure you saygoodbye properly.

• Tell your child when you will beback.

• Praise your child when you go andwhen you pick him or her up later.

Travelling during pregnancy • Don’t travel if there are

complications related to yourpregnancy. Consult your doctor.

• Consult your doctor before youleave for your trip.

• Avoid stress on the trip and takeregular breaks.

• If you are flying, check flight timescarefully.

• Drink a lot and use the bathroomregularly.

• Carry your maternity healthpassport (Mutterschaftspass) withyou at all times.

• If you are driving, take hourlybreaks to stretch your legs.

Protective measures • Check the expiry dates of all

passports and renew them ifnecessary.

• Don’t let your children travel withvaluables.

• Never leave your childrenunattended and only with qualifiedand reliable child minders.

• Leave your mobile number with thechild minder.

• Never leave children unattended bythe sea.

• Take out an insurance that coversaccidents and illness abroad.

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• Pack an emergency kit with athermometer, plasters, pincers,disinfectant, etc.

• Check the recommendedvaccinations.

• If you have an accident on holiday,go and see a doctor or a hospital(there are travel insurances, e.g.Eurocamp, that provide quick andnon-bureaucratic support).

• Carry your health insurance cardwith you at all times.

Hiking with children

When you go hiking with children, try and see it through their eyes. Children love walking, but they love it for different reasons. Remember this when you plan a hiking tour, be spontaneous and flexible en route. Children want to take regular breaks and explore the world around them. Choose attractive picnic spots near a stream, with a fireplace, trees and rocks to climb on. Such short breaks interrupt the seemingly endless walk. Even though their energy seems boundless, children need time to relax and recharge their batteries. Tell them stories about the past, fairytales or myths about the area, discover nature’s treasures; it helps children forget the ordeal of walking. A bath in a mountain lake or stream is certain to be a highlight. Hanging bridges are exciting, the forest or an alpine rock garden will make a wonderful playground, and there is unusual transportation available almost everywhere in Switzerland. Of course, it is always good to ask children for their opinion if you are planning a trip.

There are a lot of fun things you can do with children on a hiking tour:

• build a cairn (landmarks made ofpiles of stones)

• build pine cone monsters and littlehouses

• play hide-and-seek• gather herbs and make «hiking

tea»• find and classify flowers• watch animals (through binoculars),

look for animal tracks and find outwho they belong to

• test your senses: smell herbs, feelrocks, walk barefoot, walk in water

• tell fairytales and invent stories thatare set in the area

• hands-on geography: read the mapand use a compass

• cook and grill your meals over theopen fire

Planning your trip Bear in mind the following advice:

• When hiking with children, youneed to allow at least twice asmuch time as indicated on thesignposts.

• Don’t leave the marked trails.• Take regular breaks.• Make sure your children drink

enough water. Sometimes theydon’t realize that they are thirsty.

• Pack plenty of snacks on top of themain picnic.

Hiking in the mountains requires particular safety measures. It is vital that your children follow the rules (never leave the picnic area without telling you, walk ahead only as far as the next path turning off). You can let them run ahead in open terrain and on easy paths only. If the path gets tricky or if your child is scared, consider your options and stay calm. Sometimes it

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is enough to take the child by the hand. You may need to carry him or her part of the way. Sometimes, turning around is the right solution. When you are planning a hiking tour, look for possible shortcuts (in case the weather turns bad). Always carry a detailed hiking map. An emergency cell phone is helpful too.

Don’t underestimate the power of an afternoon spent playing together. Playing is an important part in the child’s development and strengthens the bond between parent and child.

All you need to do is create a suitable environment for your child, choose a game or toy your child is interested in, take your time and watch. The game will develop intrinsically, because playing comes naturally to children.

Watch your child’s reaction to find out whether he or she enjoys playtime:

• «positive emotions»: playing is fun,but you can’t force children to play.You can, however, give inspirationand show them how to start.

• «flexibility»: once children havechosen a game, they will adapt it tosuit their capabilities. It is veryimportant that games are ageappropriate.

• «pretend»: Children constantlychange reality in their games andbend it to suit their needs. It is theirway of experiencing the world.

• «for the sake of the game»: A childdoes not play in order to learn. Butlearning is a very useful side-effect.

Children’s games develop along the following stages:

• Exploration: the child learns aboutitself and other objects.

• Symbolic games: the childreinterprets objects and gives themnew meaning.

• Role-play: the child takes ondifferent roles and acts them outwith the partner in the playing.

• Games with rules: the game isplayed according to the (arbitrary)rules previously defined.

It doesn’t matter whether you engage in baby talk with your child, whether or not you build lego towns or play card games with your teenage sons and daughters – playing together will create a positive atmosphere and strengthen the bond among all members of a family.

When you buy toys and games check the recommended age. It is frustrating for children to be constantly overstretched or insufficiently challenged. Instead of enjoying the game, they will lose interest very quickly.

TV, Computer & Games

See the section «Dealing with new media» in the chapter „parenting questions“.

Recreation

Games, fun, sports and excitement – can we have it all, please? It is vital for a family

Playing together

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to spend time together and have fun. It helps parents relax, takes their mind off work and creates a sense of sharing and well-being. Time spent together is precious in our hectic world. So it is important to consider your options and choose carefully. Don’t let the fun turn into more stress, and make sure that all family members enjoy the shared moments.

Trips and Outings around Basel

There are countless excursions and attractive stop-offs in northwestern Switzerland. Many of them are very family orientated. Below, you will find a brief selection of some of the most popular destinations in the area around Basel.

Waldenburg Steam Train www.waldenburgerbahn.ch

Wasserfallen gondola with sled run and tobogganing scooters www.wasserfallenbahn.ch

Solar summer toboggan run

Hauptstrasse 1, 4438 Langenbruck, www.solarbob.ch

Model railyway «Ysebähnli am Rhy»

Schweizerhalle, 4133 Pratteln Summer season only www.ysebaehnli-am-rhy.ch

Coin-operated electric cars for kids underneath the cherry tree Restaurant SchönmattSchönmatt 1, 4145 Gempen/SO, tel. 061 701 53 88

Behind the old restaurant with a beautiful garden (serving child-sized meals), there is a small pen with little piglets, and a fun traffic training course with small coin-

operated electric cars. The restaurant is a popular spot to break a hike from the Rhine valley or from Birseck to Liestal or up to Gempen (sled run in winter).

• Ermitage and Burg Reichenstein,Arlesheim

A paradise for young cave explorers! Underneath the Burg Reichenstein there is a picknick area with a fountain where children can pump up their own drinking water. There are several deep caves along the trail down to Ermitage park.

www.arlesheim.ch > Portrait > die Ermitage

• Schloss Wildenstein above Bubendorf –dungeon and waterfall

On the plateau between Bubendorf and Hölstein, time seems to have stopped: Suddenly you find yourself in an enchanted landscape surrounded by oak trees five centuries old. Wildenstein Castle is situated in the midst of this old garden. Guided tours of the old part of the castle are available every Sunday. You can even visit the armoury and the dungeon, where a puppet in chains is waiting to be released. The children will love it. There is a nice picnic area near the waterfall at the foot of castle hill.

www.baselland-tourismus.ch > Welcome > Baselland experience >

Excursions / Sightseeing > Bubendorf > Wildenstein Castle

Art, Museums and Augusta Raurica

Several museums in the region of northwestern Switzerland have special programmes for children. The Roman

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provincial town of Augusta Raurica is certainly a must. Take advantage of the guided tours and workshops for children, some of which are organised during the school holidays. If you visit on your own, let your children discover the sites for themselves and try out the traditional crafts at home.

In Augusta Raurica, many Roman buildings are restored and can be visited. You can visit the Roman Amphitheatre and several other buildings for free. The museum with all the artefacts recovered from the archaeological excavation sites is situated in a reconstructed Roman villa. The silver treasure is particularly impressive. There is a range of workshops, guided tours, visits to the excavation sites, theatre and music performances available. On the last weekend in August, Augusta Raurica turnes into a real Roman town at the huge «Römerfest».

Some towns and family centres have their own holiday programme for children. Ask your municipal administration (Gemeinde) or check with the nearest family centre.

Every family should have one: family pass

At just CHF 30.- per year, the «Familienpass Region Basel» is a family’s ticket to many special offers, free entries to museums, zoos, swimming pools, skating rinks and many other concessions. There is also a magazine to keep you updated. It lists all special events and useful addresses, and there are always attractive prizes. Families with a small budget can get a «FamilienpassPlus» that makes them eligible for special concessions. To qualify for a

«FamilienpassPlus», you must either receive state welfare payments, supplementary benefits to the invalidity insurance, or prove that you live on very little money without receiving any benefits. Check the website for more details.

Familienpass Region Basel www.familienpass.ch

Close to nature: Robinson playgrounds

Robinson Playgrounds are leisure facilities where the children’s initiative and creativity are part of the plan. Coached and supervised by a team of social workers, the children build their own tree houses and shelters, there is room for small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs or donkeys and there are open fires and climbing sites. Some Robinson Playgrounds offer workshops and special parties for older children. You can find more information about the opening times and detailed program on the websites listed at the end of this chapter.

Music schools

Even preschool kids enjoy music. Early musical education addresses all the children’s senses. With songs and playful rhythms, children capture the world of music and discover different musical instruments. Music schools offer them the right setting for musical exploration. Ask your nearest music school for more information.

Music and dance for children

There are a million ways to enjoy music with children. Many families enjoy singing, playing and listening to music or dancing together. We can only list a few important

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music events, libraries and private music schools for children – but the list is by no means exhaustive. Most libraries have CDs and tapes for children. If you are looking for a dance class for your children, ask at your nearest studio.

Children’s theatre

Children love plays and acting. If teachers, parents or amateur theatre groups want to stage a play with children, they need to be prepared to invest a lot of time and energy. The «Basler Kindertheater» is open to young actors who are interested in regularly performing classical fairy tales.

Libraries

At the cantonal libraries, you can borrow books, comics, CDs, DVDs, audio books and magazines. The library is a real social and cultural hotspot with long opening hours (even on Sundays in winter). There is a lovely Café, and a reading lounge outside. If you are looking for a quiet place to work or read, there are desks in the reading room and a group room for discussions.

Games libraries

At games libraries, you can borrow games, toys and sports equipment. Games libraries are open to everybody: children, adults, institutions or schools. Some games libraries offer as many as 2000 articles, anything from simple card games to outdoor equipment.

Sport and Excercise

Children want to move constantly. Young babies kick their legs to express joy or excitement. Older children explore the world skipping, climbing, swinging

and running. Adolescents strive to test boundaries and love competitions. Every age group has different physical needs and things they like to do. Young children benefit from trying different things and spending time playing outside. Older children know their talents and will choose a particular sport.

There are many ways to get your children moving. When children are older, sport and exercise are a very good way to stay fit and enjoy the company of friends. Smaller children need a safe place to run around and explore. Take them to the

woods nearby, to a playground, a park or even your own garden. In winter, there are indoor pools, skating rinks, miniature golf courses or indoor tennis courts. Ask your

local administration (Gemeinde) for a list of playgrounds, sports grounds and sports clubs in your town. You can also ask about mother/child gymnastics.

Holidays and recreation for children and adolescents: special offers

Basler-Ferienpass From June to September, children between 4 and 16 can obtain a Basler-Ferienpass (Basel holiday pass). With the pass, they get many concessions on entry fees for swimming pools, museums etc., and can take part in many activities (such as painting, crafting, playing music). The Basler-Ferienpass can also be purchased by non-residents of Basel against a small extra fee.

Pro Juventute Holiday Pass Pro Juventute also has a special Holiday Pass for children during the school

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holidays. Check for the programme in your area. • www.pro-juventute.ch > Für Kinder/FürJugendliche > Ferienpässe

Holiday camps

Summer and winter sport camps are offered by private institutions, churches as well as the cantonal sport departments. Please consult the addresses at the end of this chapter for more information.

Other camps: • www.feriencamps.ch• www.feriengestaltung.ch

Day camps Pro Juventute, Robi-Spiel-Aktionen and GGG (all based in Basel) organise so called day camps during school holidays. Residents of the Canton of Basel-Landschaft can sign up for them. Special conditions apply. • www.robi-spiel-aktionen.ch >Tagesbetreuungsangebote > Tagesferien

Some municipalities also offer day camps. Contact your local administration (Gemeinde) for more information.

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Holidays and recreation: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Family holidays Family holidays in a camper www.eurocamp.ch Holidays for families with a small budget www.kovive.ch Reka-holidays www.reka.ch Family holidays for single-parent families www.leuenberg.ch Recommended vaccinations in Europe www.safetravel.ch Hiking with children Itineraries and tips for family outings: www.wandersite.ch

The “Verein Wanderwege beider Basel“ offers guided hikes: www.wanderwege-beider-basel.ch

Aargauer Wanderwege: http://www.aargauer-wanderwege.ch/

Solothurner Wanderwege: http://www.solothurner-wanderwege.ch/

Castle hikes: www.vvsl.ch > Sport/Wandern/Freizeit > Burgenwanderung

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Playing together Game ideas: www.praxis-jugendarbeit.de

TV, Computer and Games

Recreation

Attractions and recreation offers in Switzerland: www.ausflugsziele.ch

Attractions for families, put together by Aargau Tourismus: http://www.aargautourismus.ch/de/familien-gruppen/Familien.html

Overview of various attractions: www.baselland-tourismus.ch

Activites in the „ Tafeljura”: www.tafeljura.ch

Attractions Leimental: www.leimental.ch > Ausflugsziele

Tourismus Basel: https://www.basel.com/de

Tourismus Solothurn: http://www.mysolothurn.com/de/index.cfm

Trips and outings around Basel See text for further information See text for further information

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Art, museeums and Augusta Raurica

VAMUS- Verband Aargauer Museen und Sammlungen: http://www.vamus.ch/agmuseen/agmuseen1.cfm

Archäologie Aargau: www.ag.ch/archaeologie

Kantonsmuseum Basel-Landschaft: www.museum.bl.ch

Augusta Raurica: www.augustaraurica.ch

Ortsmuseen: www.bl.ch > Bildung, Kultur, Sport > Kultur > Museen

Archäologie Basel-Land: http://www.archaeologie.bl.ch/

Museen Basel: http://www.museenbasel.ch/

Archäologie Basel: http://www.archaeologie.bs.ch/

Museen im Kanton Solothurn: http://www.mysolothurn.com/de/page.cfm/Kultur_Events/Museen

Archäologie Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/bau-und-justizdepartement/amt-fuer-denkmalpflege-und-archaeologie/archaeologie/

Every family should have one: Familienpass

www.familienpass.ch

(Only for residents of Rheinfelden/Laufenburg)

www.familienpass.ch www.familienpass.ch www.familienpass.ch

( Only for residents of Dorneck/Thierstein)

Schweizerischer Museumsverband*: http://www.museums.ch/

www.x-island.chwww.ferienpass.chwww.regio-ferienpass.chwww.ferienpass-sissach.ch

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Close to nature: Robinson playgrounds

Robi Spielplatz Rheinfelden: http://www.schjkk.ch/robi-spielplatz.php?DOC_INST=1

Robinsonspielplatz Aesch, Im Löhrenacker, 4147 Aesch www.robi-aesch.ch

Robinsonspielplatz Binningen, Brünnelimatten, 4102 Binningen www.binningen.ch > Jung&Alt > Kinder und Jugendliche > Robi

Robinsonspielplatz Frenkendorf (only reachable on foot or bike) www.robiplatz.ch

Robinsonspielplatz und Robibahn Muttenz, Hardackerstrasse 6, 4132 Muttenz www.robinson-spielplatz.ch

Robi-Spiel Aktionen: http://www.robi-spiel-aktionen.ch/

Overview of all playgrounds in Basel: http://www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-familien/ angebote/spielplaetze.html

Robi Olten: http://www.robiolten.ch/

Quartierspielplätze Solothurn: http://www.quartierspielplaetz.ch/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Music schools

Vereinigung aargauischer Musikschulen VAM: http://www.vam-ag.ch/

Verband Musikschulen Baselland www.vmbl.ch

Musikschule der Stadt Basel: http://www.musikschule-basel.ch/

Solothurner Musikschulen: http://solothurnermusikschulen.ch/

Children’s theatre

Theater Tuchlaube: www.tuchlaube.ch

Kinder-und Jugendtheater Turgi: www.kjt-turgi.ch

Theater Palazzo: www.palazzo.ch

Basler Kindertheater: http://www.baslerkindertheater.ch/

Basler Marionettentheater: http://bmtheater.ch/

Junges Theater Solothurn: https://www.tobs.ch/fr/jeune-public/jts-junges-theater-solothurn/

Libraries Aargauische Kantonsbibliothek: www.ag.ch/kantonsbibliothek

Bibliotheken im Aargau: www.ag.ch/bibliotheken

Kantonsbibliothek Baselland: http://www.kbl.ch/

Gemeindebibliotheken: http://www.bibliothekenbl.ch

Universitätsbibliothek Basel-Stadt: http://www.ub.unibas.ch/ub-hauptbibliothek/

Volksbibliotheken Basel-Stadt: http://www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch/

Zentralbibliothek Solothurn: http://www.zbsolothurn.ch/

Gemeindebibliotheken Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/departementssekretariat/paedagogik/lesen/bibliotheken/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Games libraries

Overview of all game libraries (Ludotheken) in Switzerland: www.ludo.ch Sports and excercise

Jugend und Sport (J+S) of the Bundesamt für Sport BASPO informs about sport camps on its website www.jugendundsport.ch

Department Bildung, Kultur und Sport: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/sport_ausserschulische_jugendfoerderung/sport_jugendfoerderung.jsp

Sportamt des Kanton BL https://www.baselland.ch/Links.283274.0.html

Sportamt Basel http://www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-sportlerinnen-und-sportler.html

Sportfachstelle Solothurn: http://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/amt-fuer-kultur-und-sport/sportfachstelle/

Ice skating rink (Kunsteisbahn) Kunsteisbahn Aarau www.keba.ch Kunsteisbahn Oberwynental www.kunsteisbahn.ch KuBA Freizeitcenter AG www.kuba-rheinfelden.ch Kunsteisbahn Wettingen http://www.taegi.ch/de/angebotsport/sportkunsteisbahn/ Kunsteisbahn Wohlen www.kebwohlen.ch

Kunsteisbahn Sissach, Renggenweg 12, 4450 Sissach, Tel. 061 971 45 85 http://kunsti-sissach.jimdo.com/

Kunsteisbahn Eglisee, Egliseestrasse 85, 4058 Basel, Tel. 061 681 55 00 www.kunschti-eglisee.ch Kunsteisbahn Margarethen, Im Margarethenpark, 4053 Basel, Tel. 061 361 95 95 www.ed-bs.ch/jfs/sport/sportanlagen

Kunsteisbahn Zuchwil: http://www.szzag.ch/home/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Indoor pools

List of all indoor pools in Switzerland by canton: http://www.badi-info.ch/schwimmbaeder_hallen.html

Indoor- and public pools in the Canton of Aargau:

http://www.aargautourismus.ch/erleben/hallen-und-freibaeder

Hallenbad Muttenz http://www.muttenz.ch/de/tourismus/sport/?action=showobject&object_id=1770 Hallenbad Gitterli, Liestal: http://www.gitterlibad.ch/hallenbad/ Hallenbad Binningen: http://www.binningen.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d59/d296/d314/f427.cfm Aquabasilea Pratteln: http://www.aquabasilea.ch/de/

Hallenschwimmbad Rialto, Brisigstrasse 45, 4054 Basel, Tel. 061 281 91 42 http://www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-sportlerinnen-und-sportler/sportanlagen/hallenbaeder/hallenbad-rialto.html

Sportzentrum Zuchwil: http://www.szzag.ch/sport-familie/hallenbad/

Holidays and recreation for children and adolescents: special offers

Pro Juventute Ferienpässe: www.projuventute.ch> Programme> Betreute Ferienprogramme> Ferienpässe

Stiftung Feriengestaltung für Kinder: www.feriengestaltung.ch

Sportcamps of the Departements für Bildung, Kultur und Sport des Kanton Aargau: https://www.ag.ch/de/bks/sport_ausserschulische_jugendfoerderung/j_und_s/kursorganisation/kursorganisation.jsp

Sportcamps for teenagers: https://www.baselland.ch/sportwochen-htm.273780.0.html

Basler Ferienpass (also available for non-residents at a slightly higher price) http://www.basler-ferienpass.ch/fp/

Sportcamps of the Sportamt Basel-Stadt: http://www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-sportlerinnen-und-

Sport camps of the Sportfachstelle Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/amt-fuer-kultur-und-sport/sportfachstelle/sportlager/angebote/

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sportler/sportangebote/kinder-jugendliche.html

Day camps of the Robi Spiel-Aktionen ( subsidized for residents of Basel, non-residents pay the full price) http://www.robi-spiel-aktionen.ch/tagesferien.php

Book recommendations Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available in German only. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the topic of trips and outings

„KIDS – 1698 Ausflüge für die ganze Familie 9. Auflage“, Swisscontent 2014. Erhältlich im Buchhandel oder über www.kids.ch

Page 1 of 13

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Health and diet

A healthy weight Healthy snacks Dental care Health checks Vaccinations Our child is different Children with disabilities Children in hospital Intoxication emergencies Children with chronic diseases Being ill at home Kinderspitex Nordwestschweiz Child and adolescent psychiatric

service

A balanced diet and running around in the fresh air are vital for the healthy development of children. Both are necessary from the beginning.

Sitting down at the family table and eating a meal together is important for families. It helps children develop a sense of community and well-being. Playing and running around outdoors is equally important for their health. If you support your child’s natural urge for moving and exercising, it will learn to feel happy within its body and grow up to be confident and strong. Running around and playing also helps children do better in school.

Sometimes, adolescent rebellion against parents involves food and exercise: Teenagers assert themselves by eating too much or refusing food, by doing too much or no sport at all. At the same time, adolescents imitate their peer group or

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famous idols. Health, beauty, fitness and power are important issues for them. Talk to your child about them, and about what a healthy lifestyle means.

A healthy weight

More and more people are overweight, and obesity is a problem in all industrialised countries. Secondary diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and arthritis are also increasing. In the long run, obesity leads to a higher mortality rate and increasing health costs. The most alarming development is the increase in child and adolescent obesity. In Switzerland, every fifth child is overweight.

Obesity is a consequence of the changing lifestyle in industrialised countries. We eat too much and get too little exercise. If we don’t act soon, obesity will continue to rise.

At the same time, more and more children – mostly girls – try hard to keep their weight down at a very young age. They are in danger of developing severe eating disorders. 10% of all children in Switzerland are underweight or control their eating behaviour.

Public health strategies focus on the prevention of obesity. It is important that parents be good role models for their children and lead a healthy lifestyle. Day-care centres, schools and business canteens are other important target groups.

Overweight? Ask your pediatrician or GP for help.

Eating disorders Please see the addresses at the end of this chapter.

Healthy snacks

Time may be short in the morning, but make sure you pack a healthy snack for school. A mid-morning snack will recharge your children’s batteries and help them stay alert through the day.

Children love a little variety: bread, cheese and radishes, carrots, almonds and crispbread, plain, unsweetened yoghurt with fresh berries. Don’t let them eat muesli bars, chocolate, cakes or sweets of any kind, croissants, salty snacks, meats and soft drinks at schools.

Dental care

Prevention of caries is important before a baby is even teething. As a basic measure, make sure you never suck your baby’s comforter or clean it in your mouth. You will risk transmitting your bacteria to your child. Never let the baby use the bottle as a substitute comforter, and don’t let him or her drink soft drinks or sweet tea.

Once your baby is teething, the Swiss Dentists’ Association recommends the following measures:

• no snacks with added sugar

• if you buy sweets, look out for the«tooth friendly» label

• brush the baby’s teeth twice daily,using a soft children’s toothbrushand fluoride toothpaste

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Brushing teeth is a daily struggle in many families. The rules are simple: Brush your teeth for three minutes after every meal, no sweet snacks or soft drinks in-between meals. Getting your children used to this routine is a long process.

Health checks

Paediatricians recommend 12 health checks in the first 16 years of a child’s life. They help diagnose any physical, intellectual or psychological deficits at an early stage. Don’t miss these regular checks, they are always a good opportunity to talk about anything that might worry you. You can find more information on the following websites:

• www.praxispaediatrie.ch

• www.swiss-paediatrics.org

TIP: Make sure your health insurance covers all recommended health checks.

If you haven’t found a paediatrician yet, ask your friends or your midwife. It is important that you find a doctor you can trust.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect children from all kinds of diseases. The Federal Office of Public Health recommends the following vaccinations: diphteria, hepatitis B, meningitis, laryngitis caused by haemophilus influenzae, pertussis, polio, measles, rubella, and tetanus. Talk to your paediatrician about possible side effects.

Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases, predominantly borreliosis and early summer meningoencephalitis (ESME) or tick-borne meningitis. Borreliosis is caused

by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. By contrast, ESME is a viral disease that can only be prevented by vaccination. Ask your paediatrician.

In 2007, the Federal Office of Public Health recommended a vaccination against cervical cancer and other diseases caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) for all adolescent girls between the age of 11 and 14. Ask your GP, paediatrician or gynaecologist for more information.

Our child is different

Every child is different – an individual human being. There is a lot of literature about the different stages in a child’s development. But you should never forget that these are just guidelines. Your child will have its own pace and develop skills whenever it is ready for them. It will learn some things sooner and some things later than other children. Don’t let these differences unsettle you. If you worry about your child and would like a professional opinion, check with your public health nurse or your paediatrician.

Children with disabilities

You have gone through months of joyous anticipation and a tiring birth. All you wanted was to hold your healthy baby in your arms. But now you learn that your baby has a disability. Only time will tell how your child will cope with his or her condition. You will probably ask yourself: «Why has this happened to me?» In most cases there is no clear answer. But one thing is certain: it is not your fault! You have a very special child now. It needs your love and affection as much as any child. And it will give you a lot of love in

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return. Your child is a gift – more than you can imagine in the beginning.

Parents need time to come to terms with the fact that their child has been born with a disability. In this first phase, parents are very vulnerable and often withdraw from family and friends. But in fact, they need all the support they can get. Doctors, relatives and friends are indispensable. Parents’ groups are very helpful. Other more experienced parents in the same situation have a lot of useful information and provide social and emotional support. Of course, you will need special care and education for your child, but do not make hasty decisions. It is always good to get as much information as possible. You will learn to judge what is best for you and your child, and where to get the professional support that suits you best.

Children in hospital

Staying in hospital is hard for children, because it means they are away from their parents. Luckily, hospital stays are much shorter than they used to be, usually no more than one or two days. Take your time and prepare your child carefully.

At the «Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel» (UKBB, Paediatric Hospital Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft) children and their parents can visit the hospital prior to an operation and talk to a social pedagogue. The children get to see a hospital room, try out a few things, and meet doctors and nurses. These visits are very helpful for children and parents alike. They take away the children’s fear and relieve the parents.

Intoxication emergency

Tox Info Suisse operates the emergency number 145. Give them a call if somebody shows symptoms of intoxication. Doctors as well as other qualified medical staff offer advice around the clock 365 days a year in cases of poising through chemicals, medication, poisonous plants, mushrooms or animals as well as drugs and much more.

Chronically ill children

Caring for a child with a chronic disease raises many questions and places parents under a lot of strain. On the website below, you will find a number of self-help groups, parents’ associations and information centres focusing on children with chronic diseases.

www.elternnetz.ch

There are also foundations which offer parents of chronically ill children support and respite. Other foundations grant wishes to terminally or chronically ill children. You can find their addresses at the end of this chapter.

Being ill at home

Many diseases are harmless and can be treated at home. When in doubt, consult your paediatrician. Sometimes it helps to call one of several medical 24-hour hotlines run by health insurances. Paediatricians treat children and adolescents up to the age of 20.

The Red Cross offers short-term help if your child is sick at home. Call them the evening before, if possible.

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Kinderspitex Nordwestschweiz

«Kinderspitex Nordwestschweiz» is an organisation supporting families with ill or handicapped children. Qualified nurses visit the families and provide professional care at home, supporting parents and providing some basic medical training. This approach guarantees the best possible care for the children and takes into account the situation of the whole family. «Kinderspitex Nordwestschweiz» is available around the clock, seven days a week. www.spitexkinder.ch

Child and adolescent psychiatric service

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services in the cantons offer support and therapy for children and adolescents. Parents can contact the service if their child suffers from learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder or sleep deficit. Of course, the service also supports families in difficult situations, for example if there are unresolved conflicts within the family.

You can find out more about the therapies offered on the websites of the cantonal child-and adolescent psychiatric service.

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Health and diet: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a *

Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn A healthy weight Essstörungen Schweiz ENES, www.netzwerk-essstoerungen.ch

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Essstörungen AES, www.aes.ch

Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz www.gesundheitsfoerderung.ch

Advice on diet and exercise for children, parents and teachers: : www.suissebalance.ch

Special consultation for children with eating disorders: https://www.pdag.ch/diagnose-behandlung/sprechstundegruppenangebote/spezialsprechstunden-kinderjugendliche/

Projects in the Canton of Aargau on healthy weight: https://www.ag.ch/de/dgs/gesundheit/gesundheitsfoerderungpraevention/ernaehrungbewegung/projekteangebote/ProjekteAngebote.jsp

Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst KJPD http://www.pbl.ch/home/kinder-und-jugendpsychiatrie/

Psychotherapeutische Station für weibliche Jugendliche mit schweren Essstörungen (Psychotherapeutic station for female adolescents with severe eating disorders) Goldbrunnenstrasse 14, 4410 Liestal, Tel. 061 927 75 50

«aktion gesundes körpergewicht», Gesundheitsförderung BL, Rheinstrasse 22, 4410 Liestal, Tel. 061 552 62 87, www.agk.bl.ch

Special consultation for children with eating disorders: http://www.upkbs.ch/patienten/ambulantes-angebot/kinder-und-jugend/allgemeine-sprechstunde/Seiten/default.aspx

Projects in the Canton of Basel-Stadt on healthy weight: http://www.gesundheit.bs.ch/ueber-uns/programme/gesundes-koerpergewicht.html

Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrie Solothurn: https://www.so-h.ch/psychiatrische-dienste/institute/kinder-und-jugendpsychiatrie.html

Project „Gesundes Körpergewicht“ (healthy weight) https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/gesundheitsamt/gesundheitsfoerderung-praevention/

Platform about nutritionand exercise for pregnant women,parents and their 0 to 3 year oldchildren: www.bewegter-Lebensstart.ch

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Healthy snacks

Some ideas for healthy snacks

*:

http://www.migesplus.ch/en/publications/diet-exercice/show/healthy-morning-and-afternoon-snacks/

Dental care

Schweizerische Zahnärztegesellschaft: www.sso.ch

Schweizerische Zahnarztgesellschaft Aargau: www.sso-aargau.ch

You can find a list of all dentists in the region of Basel under: http://www.basler-

zahnaerzte.ch/

You can find a list of all dentists in the region of Basel under: http://www.basler-

zahnaerzte.ch/

Schweizerische Zahnarztgesellschaft Solothurn: http://www.sso-solothurn.ch/

Health check-ups

www.praxispaediatrie.ch www.swiss-paediatrics.ch Article on swissmom.ch about the routine check-ups: http://www.swissmom.ch/baby/medizinisches/beim-kinderarzt/die-vorsorgeuntersuchungen/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn

Vaccinations

Recommended vaccinations for children: www.bag.admin.ch > Krankheiten und Medizin > Impf-Information Swiss vaccination schedule for children: http://www.bag.admin.ch/impfinformation/06311/index.html?lang=de Vaccination against cervical cancer http://www.bag.admin.ch/impfinformation/12041/index.html?lang=de Our child is different

Average development steps/goals for children aged 1-6 years. http://www.stiftungnetz.ch/entwicklung_des_kindes.html

Mütter-und Väterberaterinnen Aargau http://www.muetterberatung-aargau.ch/

Mütter- und Väterberaterinnen Region Basel www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch

Mütter- und Väterberaterinnen Region Basel www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch

Mütter-und Väterberatung Solothurn: http://www.muetterberatung-so.ch/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Children with disabilities

Konferenz der Vereinigungen von Eltern behinderter Kinder - KVEB

http://www.behindertekinder.ch

Eltern blinder, seh- und mehrfachbehinderter Kinder: http://www.visoparents.ch/

Procap- Für Menschen mit Handicap: http://www.procap.ch/Kinder-mit-Behinderung.178.0.html

Schulbesuch behinderter Kinder: https://www.ch.ch/de/schulbesuch-behinderter-kinder/

Verein Du bist dran- für Geschwister von behinderten oder schwer kranken Kindern http://www.dubistdran.ch/

Zeka Zentren für Körperbehinderte Aargau: www.zeka-ag.ch/angebote-für-kinder.html

Entlastungsdienst Aargau-Solothurn: https://www.entlastungsdienst.ch/aargau/

Pro Infirmis Aargau-Solothurn: http://www.proinfirmis.ch/de/kantonale-angebote/aargau-solothurn.html

Angebote für behinderte Kinder und ihre Eltern im Raum Aarau: http://www.kindundfamilie-aarau.ch/xml_5/internet/de/application/d3579/f3590.cfm

Beratungsstelle für Behinderte BL und Eltern von Kindern mit einer Behinderung Wiedenhubstrasse 57, 4410 Liestal, Tel. 061 926 89 00, info@stiftungmosaik.ch

Insieme baselland, Im Dienste von Menschen mit einer Behinderung Fischmarkt 13, 4410 Liestal, Tel. 061 923 98 93 www.insieme-bl.ch

Behindertenforum Region Basel: http://www.behindertenforum.ch/

Selbsthilfegruppen Zentrum Selbsthilfe Feldbergstrasse 55, 4057 Basel, Tel. 061 689 90 90

www.zentrumselbsthilfe.ch > Selbsthilfegruppen > Themenliste

Behindertenforum Region Basel: http://www.behindertenforum.ch/

Pro Infirmis Basel: http://www.proinfirmis.ch/en/kantonale-angebote/basel-stadt.html

Pro Infirmis Aargau-Solothurn: http://www.proinfirmis.ch/de/kantonale-angebote/aargau-solothurn.html

Entlastungsdienst Aargau-Solothurn: https://www.entlastungsdienst.ch/aargau/

Zentrum für Körper- und Sinnesbehinderte Kinder: http://www.zksk-so.ch/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Children in hospital

Information for parents and children for when a child needs to stay in hospital: www.kindundspital.ch

Klinik für Kinder und Jugendliche am Kantonsspital in Aarau: http://www.kinderklinik.ksa.ch/

The KSA has a special website for children, with information and games to prepare them for their stay in hospital: http://www.ksakidsgame.ch/

The association BELOP supports parents during the operation of their child: http://www.ukbb.ch/de/elternbesucher/weitere-dienstleistungen/operationsbegleitung-belop.html

The UKBB has a special website for children, with information and games http://www.ukbb.ch/fileadmin/ukbbkids/

Private day clinic for children in Liestal: http://www.kindertagesklinik.ch/

The association BELOP supports parents during the operation of their child: http://www.ukbb.ch/de/elternbesucher/weitere-dienstleistungen/operationsbegleitung-belop.html

The UKBB has a special website for children, with information and games http://www.ukbb.ch/fileadmin/ukbbkids/

Im Kanton Solothurn gibt es kein eigenes Kinderspital.

Intoxication emergency

Tox Info Suisse provides free 24-hour medical advice in case of poisoning or suspected poisoning. You can reach by dialing 145.

More information can be found on their website * (available in English): http://toxinfo.ch/startseite_en

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Chronically ill children

Elternnetz offers information for parents of chronically ill children www.elternnetz.ch

Kinderkrebshilfe Schweiz http://www.kinderkrebshilfe.ch/

Kinderkrebs Schweiz http://www.kinderkrebs-schweiz.ch/

The “Stiftung Kind und Familie” aids parents with chronically or terminally ill children http://www.stiftung-kifa.ch/

Stiftung Sternschnuppe (grants wishes to terminally or chronically ill children or children with a disability) http://www.sternschnuppe.ch/home/

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Being ill at home

Childcare at home (when a child is sick and parents need to go to work) http://www.srk-aargau.ch/i4Def.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=457

Childcare at home (when a child is sick and parents need to go to work) http://www.srk-baselland.ch/familienentlastung

Childcare at home (when a child is sick and parents need to go to work) http://www.srk-basel.ch/angebote/familienentlastung.htm

Childcare at home (when a child is sick and parents need to go to work) http://www.srk-solothurn.ch/index.php?id=11

Kinderspitex Nordwestschweiz

www.spitexkinder.ch www.spitexkinder.ch www.spitexkinder.ch www.spitexkinder.ch www.spitexkinder.ch

Children- and adolescent psychiatric services Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrie der Psychiatrischen Dienste Aargau AG (PDAG) :

https://www.pdag.ch/diagnose-behandlung/kinder-und-jugendpsychiatrie/

Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst Baselland:

http://www.pbl.ch/home/kinder-und-jugendpsychiatrie/

Kinder und Jugendpsychiatrische Klinik (KJPK) Basel: http://www.upkbs.ch/patienten/ambulantes-angebot/kinder-und-jugend/Seiten/default.aspx

Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrie Solothurn: https://www.so-h.ch/psychiatrische-dienste/institute/kinder-und-jugendpsychiatrie.html

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Book recommendations Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available only in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the topic of healthy weight

Schnitz und Drunder has put together an informative guide on healthy nutrition https://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/vsd/gefoe/agk/agk_grundlagen.pdf

On the topic of check-ups and stays in hospital

„Ich werde untersucht, aber wie? Kindern Untersuchungen erklären“

Von Mechthild Hoehl, Gisela Dürr, Thieme Verlag, 2006.

„Was passiert im Krankenhaus- Wieso? Weshalb? Warum? Die Sachbuchreihe Für Kindergartenkinder“ Von Andreas Erne, Ravensburger Verlag 2015.

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Getting older

• Becoming a grandparent• Thinking about retirement• Traditional and modern living

arrangements for the elderly• Seniors help seniors• Pro Senectute• Meals on Wheels• Spitex• Transport and other services• University for seniors

People live longer than they used to. On average in our society, we live to the ripe old age of 80, with three or four generations living side by side – something that would have been impossible a hundred years ago. Living longer means assuming our roles and responsibilities as parents or grandparents for a longer period of time.

Good health in old age is a privilege that many people in Switzerland enjoy. It allows us to lead a very active life after retirement. How much time we devote to our grandchildren is our own choice. And every family must decide for itself how to care for an older parent. There is no single solution that works for everyone.

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Becoming a grandparent

The birth of a grandchild often changes the relationships within the family. If the grandparents are close to their children, chances are they will also form a close bond to their grandchildren – and vice versa. Every newborn child is a chance to deepen the bond between parents and grandparents. Both can relive the good times they had when they were younger. Today, grandparents and grandchildren have more years together than ever before. Grandparents today are often fit and healthy, and enjoy many activities with their grandchildren.

It is very important that younger and older people spend time together. A treasure trove of shared experiences will shape the way one generation thinks about the other. The relationship between the generations is dynamic and ever-changing. Children grow up to become adults, parents, grandparents and maybe even great-grandparents.

Thinking about retirement

Retirement is the start of a new phase in life. Suddenly, there is more free time than time spent at work. Usually, a person’s pension rests on three pillars: the AHV state pension, occupational benefits (called Pensionskasse), and private pension funds. Together, the three pillars should secure the previous standard of living. Hence it is wise to think ahead and plan your retirement carefully.

When you retire, the future seems uncertain at first. It is not just a question of how much money you will need and how best to invest the capital in your pension fund. There are the small matters of life to

organise without the usual routines at work.

Retirement will turn your life upside down, whether you retire at 60, 64 or 65. Financial security and a regular income are important, but you must also create a new perspective for your life.

Traditional and modern living arrangements for the elderly

My home is my castle. Older people often feel rooted in their village or neighbourhood, and do not want to move. When the children have left to start their own households, many parents remain in their old home, enjoying the extra space. Nevertheless, moving to a smaller and more convenient flat can sometimes make life a lot easier.

There are many ways of finding out how you want to live when you are older. Be brave and consider different possibilities. Gather all the information you can. Talk to people who have taken the step and live an unconventional life. It will broaden your horizon and help you find out what’s best for you. In any case, do not wait until circumstances force you to make a decision. It is always easier to get used to a new place and make new friends when you still have enough strength and courage to change!

Find a convenient place near your old home

Maybe there is a more convenient (e.g. smaller, more comfortable, more modern) flat in your house (e.g. on the ground floor), your neighbourhood or your village. You can stay in your familiar surroundings, close to the people you know well.

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Near your family

Living with or near family members can give a sense of security. Talk to your family to find out if such an arrangement suits them, too. If so, you need to discuss a few things very carefully: How much privacy and personal space does everyone want or need? How much care do you need? How much can they give? And what do you expect from such an arrangement?

Cooperatives and tenant communities

There are large cooperatives that buy apartment blocks for elderly people. This kind of community allows you to lead a very independent life while at the same time enjoying the company of other residents, especially if there are shared rooms, terraces, courtyards etc.

Apartments and residences for the elderly

Residences for senior citizens usually provide spacious two-room apartments for people living on AHV (state pension) or disability benefits. Residents can bring their own furniture. Often there is a retirement home nearby, offering meal services and temporary medical care.

Sharing a flat with other senior citizens

Some people enjoy sharing a flat with other people around the same age, with access to nursing care and other forms of assistance. The residents each have their own room (sometimes with en-suite bathroom, shower and toilet), and share the lounge and kitchen. They plan household duties (shopping, preparing meals, cleaning, laundry) together and

enjoy each other’s company, going out together, playing games or watching movies. Of course, sharing living space demands a certain degree of tolerance and patience.

Apartments and communal housing for senior citizens usually offer amenities such as a lift or an emergency telephone, so that the residents can continue their independent life for a long time. Further supporting services such as Spitex, meals on wheels or a cleaning service are available if needed.

Seniors help seniors

In some villages and towns there are special clubs called «Seniors Help Seniors», offering services for senior citizens. These clubs are a self-help initiative and strengthen the bonds between the elderly people in a community. Healthy or qualified club members help others in need of support by doing household and garden chores or small repairs, writing letters and translating documents, taking care of administrative or insurance business, tax declarations, sewing and mending, watering plants, feeding pets and checking the mailbox while the tenant is on holiday or in hospital, running errands, taking someone to the doctor’s or to medical therapy sessions or just doing social calls every now and then.

Pro Senectute

«Pro Senectute» is the Swiss competence centre on age and ageing. On their website, you will find all there is to know about further education classes, services, events, retirement homes or counselling

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centres in your area. Pro Senectute is active in every Swiss canton.

Emergency devices

Are you on your own? Is your health frail? Are you unsure about who to call? In that case we recommend you get an emergency device. Become a member of an emergency network, for example with the Swiss Red Cross. In case of an emergency, you just push the alarm button that you wear around your wrist like a watch. The device is equipped with a hands-free telephone function so you can talk to an emergency service and ask for help. Your details are registered there, so they can send help even if you are unable to speak.

Meals on wheels

Most towns run their own meals on wheels service. Usually, they operate Monday to Saturday, delivering a warm meal per day to their clients. On Sundays, a cold snack is often available. Please ask your municipal authorities (Gemeinde) for details.

Spitex

Spitex is a home care and nursing service that supports elderly and frail people living independently as long as possible. If you or a relative needs a home care service, please call your cantonal spitex.

Transport and other services

The cantonal Red Cross associations offer help for senior citizens, families or people with disabilities – including transport or home care services or emergency devices.

University for seniors

There are a few universities in Switzerland who offer special classes for seniors. The University of Basel offers the so called „Senioren Uni“ in the region of northwestern Switzerland. The “Senioren Uni” offers an insight into the manifold research and knowledge fields of the University of Basel. Dozens of presentations on current research projects are on the programmes. The “Senioren Uni” is open to anyone who has reached his or her 58th year of life as well as their partner.

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Getting older: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Becoming a grandparent

Specialletter by Pro Juventute for grandparents www.projuventute.ch> Shop> Themenbriefe> Extrabrief für Grosseltern

Network for grandmothers http://www.grossmuetter.ch/de/

Swiss magazine about living with grandchildren: http://grosseltern-magazin.ch/

Grosselternkoffer der Kantonsbibliothek Baselland:

www.kbl.ch > Generation + > Grosselternkoffer

Generationenspielplatz im Schützenmattpark- Generationplayground Schützenmattpark http://www.hopp-la.ch/projekte/projekte-1

Thinking about retirement

How does the retirement provision system work? * https://www.ch.ch/en/retirement-provision-system/

SVA Aargau- Information about early retirement : http://www.sva-ag.ch/ratgeber/meine-situation/vorzeitige-pensionierung/

Questions regarding early retirement: http://www.aelterbasel.ch/finanzen-und-sicherheit/fragen-zur-fruehpensionierung/

For questions about (early) retirement contact SVA Basel-Landschaft:https://www.sva-bl.ch/de/

For questions regarding (early) retirement contact the Kantonale Ausgleichskasse: https://www.akso.ch/startseite.html

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn

Traditional and modern living arragments for the elderly

Information on senioren.ch about living arrangements: http://www.senioren.ch/index.php?id=54 Wohnform 50Plus: http://www.wohnform50plus.ch/d/index.cfm infosenior.ch- search engine for questions regarding aging: http://www.infosenior.ch/index.cfm/Infosenior:HomeFrontend/index

The consulting services of Pro Senectute also inform about living arrangements for seniors: http://www.info-ag.ch/

Seniorenrat Region Baden http://www.srrb.ch/

Publication by the Volkswirtschafts- und Gesundheitsdirektion Baselland on living arrangements in old age: https://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/vsd/gefoe/wohnen-im-alter.pdf

The Forum 55+ Basel-Stadt offers a wealth of information on living arrangements for seniors.

http://www.aelterbasel.ch/wohnen-und-freizeit/

Seniors help seniors

Senioren für Senioren Möhlin: http://www.sfs-moehlin.ch/

Senioren für Senioren Madgen: http://www.senioren-magden.ch/

Senioren für Senioren Liestal: http://www.sfs-liestal.ch/

Senioren für Senioren Pratteln-August http://www.sfs-pratteln-augst.ch/

Senioren für Senioren Birsfelden: http://www.birsfelden.ch/de/vereine/vereinsliste/welcome.php

NachbarNet Basel: http://www.nachbarnetbasel.ch/

Senioren für Senioren services by Pro Senectute Solothurn: http://www.so.pro-senectute.ch/dienstleistungen-und-angebote/hilfen-zu-hause/senioren-fuer-senioren.html

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?action=showverein&verein_id=21065

Senioren für Senioren Gelterkinden: http://www.gelterkinden.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/gemeinden/gelterkinden/senioren_fuer_senioren.pdf

Senioren für Senioren Reinach BL: http://www.seniorenhelfensenioren.ch

Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Pro Senectute

Pro Senectute Schweiz www.prosenectute.ch

InfoSenior- ihr Suchportal für alle Altersfragen http://www.infosenior.ch/index.cfm/Infosenior:HomeFrontend/index

Pro Senectute Aargau: http://www.ag.pro-senectute.ch/d/index.cfm

Pro Senectute beider Basel: http://bb.pro-senectute.ch/

Pro Senectute beider Basel: http://bb.pro-senectute.ch/

Pro Senectute Solothurn: http://www.so.pro-senectute.ch/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Emergency devices

Emergency devices of the SRK Aargau: http://www.srk-aargau.ch/notruf

Emergency devices of the SRK Baselland: http://www.srk-baselland.ch/i4Def.aspx?tabid=435

Emergency devices of the SRK Basel: http://www.srk-basel.ch/angebote/notrufsystem.html

Emergency devices of the SRK Solothurn: http://www.srk-solothurn.ch/index.php?id=13

Meals on wheels

Please contact your municipality office for more information

Please contact your municipality office for more information

Please contact your municipality office for more information

Please contact your municipality office for more information

Spitex Spitex-Verband Schweiz: http://www.spitex.ch/

Spitex-Verband Aargau: http://www.spitexag.ch/

Spitex-Verband Baselland: www.spitexbl.ch

Spitex-Verband Basel: http://www.spitexbasel.ch/

Spitex-Verein Solothurn: http://www.spitex-solothurn.ch/

Transport and other services http://www.pflege-entlastung.ch/

SRK Aargau: http://www.srk-aargau.ch/entlastungsdienste

SRK Baselland http://www.srk-baselland.ch/entlastung-zu-hause

SRK Basel http://www.srk-basel.ch/angebote/fahrdienst.htm

SRK Solothurn http://www.srk-solothurn.ch/index.php?id=95

University for seniors/ Senioren-Uni University for seniors in Switzerland: http://seniorenstudium.ch/index.html

Senioren-Uni Basel http://www.vhsbb.ch/seniorenuni_info.aspx

Senioren-Uni Basel http://www.vhsbb.ch/seniorenuni_info.aspx

Senioren-Uni Basel http://www.vhsbb.ch/seniorenuni_info.aspx

Senioren-Uni Basel http://www.vhsbb.ch/seniorenuni_info.aspx

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Separation and divorce

Separation Parents will always be parents Family mediation Divorce Alimony for spouses Child maintenance Visiting rights Custody/joint custody

There are various kinds of families today, and there are various reasons for couples to separate or get divorced. Emotional needs may be left unfulfilled, the partners may have diverging ideas about how to raise children, or about the roles of husband and wife. Maybe there were just too many misunderstandings or things left unsaid. All these factors can eventually lead to separation.

Nobody leaves his or her partner on the spur of the moment. On the contrary, separation is usually the result of a long and painful process of deliberation. There are the children to consider, the financial

consequences and the insecurities of the future. Sometimes, the couple decides to split for a few of months and consider the future carefully. This may be a good solution if there is still a chance the couple

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have a future together. If not, separation may be inevitable. In most cases, it is the woman who takes the final step.

Separation

A separation has far reaching consequences on a family’s future. It is usually the first step to divorce. A couple must be officially separated for two years before they can file for divorce. No consent is needed after this period.

Apart from the emotional turmoil, there is a lot to be reorganised and negotiated: Who’s going to stay in the family home? How do we split the household? Who will get child custody? Where do the children live? Does the other partner get visiting rights? How much child maintenance is possible? Will the spouse be entitled to alimony?

During the official period of separation, the couple usually retains joint custody of the children. Child custody is negotiated during the divorce proceedings.

If the partners cannot reach an agreement, one of them can appeal to the district court to initiate procedures.In this case, it is important to get legal representation. The court will decide on the terms of the separation. The procedure is simple and usually does not take long. The court will fix the legal expenses and determine who is liable to cover them. If the partners are unable to pay for the legal procedures, they can apply for a waiver. The court will review the couple’s financial situation. If the waiver is authorised, the state will cover the legal expenses as well as the lawyer’s fees.

Apart from all legal and financial questions, one's whole life must be reorganised. Women especially often find themselves without income and need to find a new or better paying job. Suddenly, they must reconcile work and family life without a partner. (See also the chapters «Reconciling Work and Family Life» and «Family Diversity»).

But above all, many people feel guilty and lonely after the separation. Sometimes, they are full of regret. It is not always easy to see the positive sides of living alone, especially if there are children. A therapist would help in case of depression or guilt feelings. There are also counselling services for families, children and adolescents, where parents or children can go for support. In most municipalities, these services are free of charge. For adults, there are many training courses, self-help books and groups or clubs for single parents.

Parents will always be parents

Children always suffer when their parents separate. They love both mother and father and don’t want to lose either. In this time of emotional turmoil, it is not always easy for parents to understand their children’s needs. They have trouble distinguishing between their problems as a couple and their responsibility as parents. Fighting in front of the children and competing for their favour is emotional abuse. Children’s feelings must not be manipulated or beencourage to side with one parent. They will feel guilty and insecure, and lose the capacity to trust in their feelings. Only a few therapists and services help children cope with their parents’ separation. The Clinic for Child and

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Adolescent Psychiatry («Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie Baselland») offers group therapy for children from 8 to 12 years of age. In a total of ten sessions, the children have the chance to express their feelings about their parents’ separation. They acquire coping strategies and learn that they are not alone in their experience.

For more than ten years, the Educational Psychology Service of Basel-Stadt («Schulpsychologischer Dienst Basel-Stadt») and the Child and Youth Services Basel-Stadt («Kinder- und Jugenddienst Basel-Stadt») have been offering group training sessions for children, also from 8- 12 years of age.

The «Birmann-Stiftung» also offers a counselling service for children. «Pro Juventute» runs a hotline for children and adolescents that is open around the clock. «Kinderlobby Schweiz» offers legal advice for children and adolescents with a free initial consultation.

Family mediation

If a couple wants to separate and is willing to find an amicable out of court agreement on childcare, maintenance, sharing matrimonial property and other issues, a family mediation can be helpful. Please note that a family mediation is not a therapy or counselling session. Rather, it creates a neutral framework in which to enter into a discussion and find an amicable solution. The results are recorded in a written agreement.

Divorce

The more issues you have resolved amicably during your period of separation, the «simpler» your divorce procedure will

be. In the best case, divorce amounts to no more than a formality.

There are three ways to get a divorce:

• Unilateral application for divorceafter the two-year separationperiod.

• Unilateral application for divorce ongrounds of unreasonableness(without the mandatory two-yearseparation period, only applies toso-called "cases of hardship").

• Mutual application for divorce(including an agreement on thelegal and financial consequences).

Both the unilateral and the mutual application for divorce can be filed at the district court of your municipality. If the situation is not clear, it is important to seek legal advice first

The costs of the divorce include both the legal costs and the lawyer’s fees. The legal fees are determined by the district court, according to the cantonal scale of charges. It is important to check the lawyer’s fees carefully and agree on a fixed hourly rate. (They vary from approx. CHF 180 to 400.) If a couple can prove it is unable to cover the legal costs and the lawyer’s fees, the legal counsel can apply for court proceedings to be carried out free of charge. The court will review the couple’s financial situation. In certain cases, the state will cover all legal costs and lawyer’s fees.

Alimony for spouses

Divorce does not mean economic independence for both partners. In certain circumstances, a spouse cannot be

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expected to take up gainful employment. If, for example, the woman was the main childcarer and did not have a job during the marriage, if the husband or wife is old, frail or in training, he or she is entitled to receive alimony. However, this only applies if the other partner is gainfully employed and not poor.

The court determines the monthly allowance according to the documents submitted. Both partners are obliged to procure the relevant documents. The spouses can work out their own agreement, if they wish.

If the partner liable to pay alimony fails to do so, the other partner can apply to social services for enforcement. Social services will issue a reminder to the person liable to pay alimony. If this does not help, enforcement procedures will be initiated. The legal enforcement will run up a collection bill (CHF 1000 max, or 10% of the amount due) which both spouses will have to repay, if their financial situation allows it.

Child maintenance / child support

Both parents are responsible to provide for underage children. The parent who is granted custody is legally bound to care for and educate the children. The other parent is obliged to pay a monthly maintenance, if he or she can afford it. Children who are of age are only entitled to child maintenance if they can’t be expected to provide for themselves, i.e. if they are still at school, in vocational training or at university.

It is a sad fact that many parents fail to pay their share of child maintenance. In these cases, the other parent depends on

social services advancing the child maintenance. If the court verdict is legal, the parent receiving child maintenance can apply to social services to collect the money from the other parent. In case of refusal or failure to pay, social services will start enforcing the money. Enforcement procedures for child maintenance are free of charge.

Many single parents are always short of money if their ex-partner fails to pay child maintenance. Residents of Baselland can apply for an advancement of child maintenance. It is important that you submit your application as soon as possible, as the application date will determine when the payments begin. Social services can only advance maintenance for a limited amount of time.

Visiting rights

The parent who does not receive physical custody is usually granted visiting rights, so that he (or she) can maintain the relationship with the children. In principle, the parents are free to organise visiting rights according to their needs. However, the child`s well-being always has priority, and there is no overall solution that determines what is best for the children. Quite often, the children live with one parent and visit the other every other weekend, and spend two to four weeks of the holidays every other bank holiday together. If the parents are unable to organise visiting rights amicably, they can apply for educational assistance with the guardianship authority. Fathers often find it difficult to make good use of their visiting rights. Usually the mother is granted child custody – and some women use this prerogative as a

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weapon against the fathers. They cancel visits or claim the child is ill. Sometimes they tell the father that the child does not want to see him. It can also be the other way round: Some fathers don’t show up to pick up the child, or aren’t prepared to cater to the children’s needs. But remember: Parents must stay loyal to each other whenever the children are concerned. They must both do their best to enable the children to stay close to both parents.

The «Interessengemeinschaft geschiedener und getrennt lebender Männer» (IGM, interest group of divorced men) supports fathers in difficult situations.

The «Verein für verantwortungsvoll erziehende Väter und Mütter» (VeV, association of responsible fathers and mothers) helps parents maintain close contact with their children after divorce. If the parents are unable to talk, or one parent is unable to maintain visiting rights, the «Verein Begleitete Besuchstage Baselland» (accompanied visiting days) organises regular meetings between children and their parent. The meetings take place in a comfortable and child-friendly atmosphere, and in the presence of a guardian or qualified childminder.

Custody/Joint Custody

Parental custody comprises much more than visiting rights. Custodians must ensure the emotional, physical and financial welfare of the child. Parents have the right and duty to care for their children, educate them, manage their finances and represent them legally. Usually, the court decides who gets custody during divorce procedures. During the legal separation

period, the parents retain joint custody, as in marriage. In November 2011, the Federal Council concluded that joint custody should be granted as a rule after divorce or separation, regardless of whether the parents were married or not, and initiated procedures for the Civil Code to be revised accordingly. However, the parent who has care of the child can make decisions regarding everyday or urgent matters alone, without consulting the other parent.

This new rule on joint custody has been in force since the 1st of July 2014. Since then joint custody is the norm. Married parents have always had joint custody, now this has also become the norm for divorced or unmarried parents.

The court will only award single custody to one parent after a divorce, if joint custody would not be considered good for the welfare of the child. Otherwise parents will continue to have joint custody just as they did when they were married.

The “Kindes-und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde KESB” (Office for the protection of children and adults) is competent in regards to custody matters of unmarried parents.

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Separation and divorce: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Separation

Arbeitskreis Trennung Aargau: http://www.trennung-aargau.ch/de/home.htm

Jugend-, Ehe- und Familienberatung Aargau http://www.jefb.ch/de/home

Frauenzentrale Aargau Rechtsberatung: http://www.rechtsberatung-ag.ch/

Ehe-und Paarberatung Aargau: http://www.eheberatung-aargau.ch/

Bezirksgerichte des Kanton Aargau: https://www.ag.ch/de/gerichte/bezirksgerichte/bezirksgerichte.jsp

Familien-, Erziehungs- und Jugendberatungsstellen beider Basel www.fejb.ch

Frauenplus Baselland has its own counselling centre for legal questions: www.frauenplus.ch > Was bieten wir

Beratungsstelle für Partnerschaft, Ehe und Familie der Evangelisch-reformierten Kirche BL: http://www.paarberatung-refbl.ch/index.php

Zivilgerichte Baselland: https://www.baselland.ch/Zivilkreisgerichte.273843.0.html

Familien-, Erziehungs- und Jugendberatungsstellen beider Basel www.fejb.ch

Familea offers counselling for women incl. legal questions: http://www.familea.ch/de/Frauenberatung/

Infra Basel- Rechtsberatung für Frauen: http://www.infra-basel.ch/infra/

Zivilgericht Basel-Stadt: http://www.zivilgericht.bs.ch/rechts gebiete/familienrecht/trennung-scheidung.html

Fachstelle für Beziehungsfragen Kanton Solothurn: http://www.velso.ch/

Frauenzentrale Solothurn Rechtsberatungen: http://www.frauenzentrale-so.ch/

Richterämter Solothurn: http://www.so.ch/gerichte/richteraemter/zustaendigkeit/

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Schweiz Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn

Parents will always be parents

Website for children affected by divorce or separation: www.scheidungskind.ch

Children and teens can call the hotline free 147 of the Pro Juventute around the clock for help and counselling in difficult situations www.147.ch

Group therapy for children of divorce: http://www.pbl.ch/uploads/media/KJP_2015_Scheidungsgruppe_Ausschreibung.pdf

Familien- und Jugendberatung Birmannstiftung http://www.birmann-stiftung.ch

Schulpsychologischer Dienst des Kantons Basel-Stadt Austrasse 67, 4051 Basel, Tel. 061 267 69 00

Family mediation

Schweizerischer Dachverband Mediation www.infomediation.ch

Schweizerischer Verein für Mediation SVM www.mediation-svm.ch

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Divorce

The swiss authorities online inform comprehensively on divorce in Switzerland: https://www.ch.ch/en/divorce/

Ask your friends and family for recommendations regarding a divorce lawyer or consult the website of the Swiss association of lawyers (Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband) *: https://www.sav-fsa.ch/de/anwaltssuche.html Alimony for spouses / Spousal support

Alimony for ex-spouses: http://www.ehe-recht.ch/unterhalt-nach-der-scheidung/

Kantonaler Sozialdienst https://www.ag.ch/de/dgs/ueber_uns_dgs/organisation_dgs/ksd/kantonalersozialdienst.jsp

Kantonales Sozialamt Baselland Gestadeckplatz 8, 4410 Liestal, Tel. 061 552 56 45 www.bl.ch > Finanzen, Kirchen > Sozialamt

Sozialhilfe des Kantons Basel-Stadt: http://www.sozialhilfe.bs.ch/

Oberämter des Kanton Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/oberaemter/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Child maitenance/ child support

Article on familienleben.ch on how to calculate child support: http://www.familienleben.ch/kind/alleinerziehend/berechnung-alimente-1956

Bevorschussung von Unterhaltsbeiträgen für Kinder: https://www.ag.ch/de/dgs/gesellschaft/soziales/oeffentlichesozialhilfe/alimenteundinkassohilfe/AlimenteundInkassohilfe.jsp

Kantonales Sozialamt Baselland Gestadeckplatz 8, 4410 Liestal, Tel. 061 552 56 45 https://www.baselland.ch/Sozialamt.273505.0.html

Unterhaltsbeiträge für Mündige in Ausbildung https://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/fkd/fuersorge/handb/unterhaltsbeitr_muend-ausb.pdf

Alimentenhilfe Basel-Stadt: http://www.asb.bs.ch/familien/alimentenhilfe.html

Alimentenbevorschussung: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/sozialversicherungen/ergaenzungshilfen/alimente/

Visiting rights

vev Verein für verantwortungsvoll erziehende Väter und Mütter www.vev.ch

IGM Schweiz www.igm.ch

Verein begleitete Besuchstage Aargau: http://www.bbt-ag.ch/

Begleitete Besuchstage Baselland Tagesheim Binningen, In den Schutzmatten 6, 4102 Binningen, Tel. 061 421 92 05 www.bbt-bl.ch

Begleitete Besuchstage Basel- Stadt: http://www.begleitetebesuchstage- baselstadt.ch/

In the Canton of Solothurn several organisations offer accompanied visiting days. Contact your local social service for more information: http://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/sozialhilfe/sozialregionen/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Custody / Joint Custody

Bundesamt für Justiz: https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/gesellschaft/gesetzgebung/archiv/elterlichesorge.html

Divorce and custody: https://www.ch.ch/en/divorce-parental-authority/

Interaction with other affected parents on custody matters: http://www.vev.ch/index.php/unsere-themenbereiche/trennung-scheidung/gemeinsamessorgerecht

Information of the Canton of Aargau on custody: https://www.ag.ch/de/dvi/persoenliches_zivilstandswesen/zivilstandsfragen/geburt/elterliche_sorge/elterliche_sorge_1.jsp

Information by the KESB Baselland on custody: http://www.kesb-bl.ch/kesr/formulare-merkblatter/

Legal information for unmarried parents living in Basel regarding custody Guide

Guide by the KESB Solothurn on joint custody: https://www.so.ch/fileadmin/internet/ddi/ddi-aso/13_9_Kinder_Erwachsenenschutz/Merkblatt_1a_nicht_verhei_GeS_2014.pdf

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Book recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available only in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or an equivalent.

On the topic of parents will always be parents

«Eltern bleiben – Informationen und Tipps für Eltern in Trennung», Broschüre der Pro Juventute, Einzelexemplare gratis zu bestellen: info@projuventute.ch

„Glückliche Scheidungskinder: Trennung und wie Kinder damit fertig werden“ Von Remo H. Largo, Monika Czernin, Piper Verlag, 2003

„Glückliche Scheidungskinder: Was Kinder nach der Trennung brauchen“ Von Remo H. Largo, Monika Czernin, Piper Verlag, 2014

On the topic of divorce

„Scheidung: Faire Regelungen für Kinder – gute Lösungen für Wohnen und Finanzen“ Daniel Trachsel, Beobachter-Buchverlag, 2014

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Mobbing and Violence

Mobbing Violence

o Domestic violenceo Juvenile violenceo Placing children in foster

care

Families can be confronted by violence on

different levels. It is important to get help

as early as possible. We have listed some

addresses of where to get help below.

Mobbing

Mobbing means that a member of a group is systematically and repeatedly intimidated, humiliated or isolated over an extended period of time. It can occur at school, in a club, at work, in the community or in the family. Originally, the term mobbing was used mainly in the context of the workplace. Recent studies have shown, however, that mobbing is a problem at schools as well, where up to 10% of pupils are affected. These boys and girls are bullied physically or emotionally by other pupils over an extended period of time. The effects of

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mobbing are often serious and range from loss of self-esteem to addictions or even suicidal tendencies.

Mobbing situations tend to be complex and can rarely be resolved on one’s own. Rather, it requires quick intervention and cooperation on the part of teachers, parents, social workers, the school board and the school psychological service.

Violence

Domestic violence

I felt trapped in a small, cruel world, and

there was nobody there to get me

out.» (Anita, 14 years old)

The term «domestic violence» generally

refers to violence between adult partners.

However, children are just as affected by

violence in the home, be it as direct

targets or witnesses to the abuse of a

parent. Violence is a traumatizing

experience that interferes with a child’s

healthy development. Children need to be

protected and feel loved and cared for.

The intervention centre against domestic

violence («Interventionsstelle gegen

häusliche Gewalt») of the Canton of

Basel-Landschaft defines domestic

violence as follows: «A case of domestic

violence exists when a person uses or

threatens the use of violence in an

existing or separated family relationship,

marriage or partnership, or towards

involved third parties. Domestic violence

can take the

form of physical, psychological or sexual

violence.»

Domestic violence is no private matter, but

concerns us all. You can take action, too:

• be alert, and don’t turn a blind eye

break the silence

• be clear about what is right and wrong

• be informed

• confront offenders

• get help

• report it to the police

• advocate gender equality by setting a

good example

How can domestic violence be prevented?

The many causes and risk factors make it

difficult to identify simple answers and

solutions. Of vital importance, however, is

an attitude of zero tolerance towards

violence in the home. Gender equality also

plays a significant role. Where men and

women have equal opportunities, violence

loses its influence.

Persons who were victims or witnesses of

violence in the family as a child are at risk

of becoming abusers themselves. That is

why stopping violence, protecting victims

and making offenders accountable is so

important to prevent violence in future

generations.

If in distress, a person must not hesitate to

call the emergency number 117 (or 112). If

a person would like to receive counselling

or report a case of domestic violence, the

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local police station must be contacted.

Every police security department is

required to train a specialist in domestic

violence. Inquire about the person

responsible for your area at your local

police station. Juvenile violence Juvenile delinquency has increased in the

past few years. Social discrimination,

parental negligence, problems at school or

simple boredom can result in violent

behaviour. The estimated number of

unreported incidents is very high, as many

victims are afraid to press charges.

Prevention plays an especially important

role when it comes to juvenile violence.

Targeted education, counselling and

training can do a lot to alleviate the

causes mentioned above.

The brochure «Youth and Violence»

(«Jugend und Gewalt») offers information

and advice to parents or guardians whose

child is a victim of violence, as well as

those who suspect that their child may be

using violence. The brochure is available

in German, French and English at every

police station in Switzerland, or can be

downloaded from the Internet as a pdf-file.

Placing children in foster care

The decision to place children in foster

care for shorter or longer periods of time

instead of letting them grow up with their

parents is normally preceded by high-risk

situations, such as:

• children and teenagers whose parents

can no longer cope with bringing up

their children

• children and teenagers who have been

neglected or abused or whose parents

are unable to cope because they were

victims of violence themselves as

children

• children and teenagers whose parents

are mentally ill or addicted to drugs

• children and teenagers in a household

where one or both parents are serving

a prison sentence

It is sometimes hard to say whether a

child is placed in foster care for social or

psychological reasons, of its own accord

or by external constraints. Most often,

there are several factors that lead to this

painful measure. In order to find a suitable

place for the child, a thorough and

responsible evaluation is necessary.

Unfortunately, in practice, the search for

the best possible placement for the child is

superseded by efforts to find a solution as

soon as possible. In such a case, it can be

helpful to aim for an interim solution (for

example, providing intensive support

measures for the family) or a temporary

placement (SOS Children’s Village,

observation homes). A temporary solution

may benefit the child more than a

precipitated final placement.

The biological parents’ attitude to the

child’s placement in foster care is

extremely significant. It is important that

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they eventually come to accept the

proposed solution. Only when the parents

(or the single mother or father)

demonstrate to the child that they approve

of the solution, can the child settle into the

new environment and establish

relationships with foster parents and

siblings. In all cases, the child’s wishes

should be taken into account as far as

possible.

Available types of foster care:

• day-care parents

• day-care centre

• foster family

• therapeutic and remedial care

groups

• children’s home

• adoptive family

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Mobbing and Violence: addresses and links

Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Mobbing

Mobbing at the workplace http://www.mobbing-zentrale.ch/de/

Schweizerischer Verband für Mobbing-Prävention http://svmp.ch/wp/

Hilfe bei Mobbing http://www.mobbing-hilfe.ch/

What parents can do against mobbing at school: http://www.familienleben.ch/kind/schule-ausbildung/mobbing-in-der-schule-tipps-fuer-eltern-2485/2

Counselling by the „Schulpsychologischer Dienst“ Aargau in regards to mobbing issues https://www.schulen-aargau.ch/kanton/Unterstuetzung-Beratung/spd/Pages/default.aspx

Information by the Police Basellandschaft on mobbing https://www.baselland.ch/Mobbing.320027.0.html

The „schulpsychologischer Dienst Baselland“ helps in mobbing situations https://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/baselland/files/docs/ekd/spd/no-mob_mobbingberatung.pdf

Gewaltprävention des Erziehungsdepartments Basel-Stadt: http://gesundheit.edubs.ch/themenbereiche/gewalt-1

Schulpsychologischer Dienst Basel https://www.edubs.ch/dienste/spd

Gewaltprävention in Schulen https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/praevention/gewaltpraevention/gewaltpraevention-in-schulen/

Schulpsychologischer Dienst Solothurn https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-fuer-bildung-und-kultur/volksschulamt/beratung/schulpsychologischer-dienst/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn

Domestic Violence / Juvenile Violence

Dachorganisation Frauenhäuser Schweiz www.frauenhaus-schweiz.ch

Stiftung Kinderschutz Schweiz, Tel. 031 398 10 10, info@kinderschutz.ch www.kinderschutz.ch

Elternotruf Schweiz: http://www.elternnotruf.ch/

Kampagne Stopp Häusliche Gewalt der Schweizerischen Kriminalprävention. http://skppsc.ch/10/de/3gewalt/520_kampagne_stopp_haeusliche_gewalt.php

Präventionsprogramm von Bund, Kantonen, Städten und Gemeinden zu Gewalt bei Jugendlichen http://www.jugendundgewalt.ch/de.html

Fachstelle Intervention gegen häusliche Gewalt https://www.ag.ch/de/dvi/ueber_uns_dvi/organisation_dvi/generalsekretariat/haeusliche_gewalt/haeusliche_gewalt.jsp

Frauenhaus Aargau-Solothurn http://www.frauenhaus-ag-so.ch/

Anlaufstelle häusliche Gewalt Aargau: http://www.ahg-aargau.ch/

Hilfe für Gewaltausübende http://www.ahg-aargau.ch/informationen/hilfe_fuer_gewaltausuebende/

In the Canton of Aargau the KESB is part of the family court: https://www.ag.ch/de/gerichte/kesb/organisation_13/kesb_1/standorte_1/standorte_8.jsp

Interventionsstelle gegen häusliche Gewalt, Liestal, Tel. 061 552 62 38 Kanton Basel-Landschaft - Interventionsstelle gegen häusliche Gewalt BL

Frauenhaus beider Basel, Tel. 061 681 66 33 (rund um die Uhr), info@frauenhaus-basel.ch www.frauenhaus-basel.ch

Fachstelle für Kindes- und Jugendschutz, Tel. 061 925 59 30, kindesschutz@bl.ch https://www.baselland.ch/Kindes-und-Jugendschutz.273524.0.html

Elternhilfe beider Basel, Tel.

061 423 96 50

www.elternhilfe.ch

Männerbüro Region Basel,

Tel. 061 691 02 02 (anonyme

Beratung) www.mbrb.ch

Fachstelle häusliche Gewalt: http://www.jsd.bs.ch/ueber-das-departement/bereiche-abteilungen/generalsekretariat/fachstelle-haeusliche-gewalt.html

Frauenhaus beider Basel Postfach 111, 4005 Basel, Tel. 061 681 66 33 (rund um die Uhr), info@frauenhaus-basel.ch www.frauenhaus-basel.ch

Elternhilfe beider Basel, Tel.

061 423 96 50

www.elternhilfe.ch

Männerbüro Region Basel, Tel. 061 691 02 02 (anonyme Beratung) www.mbrb.ch

Beratung von Weggewiesenen nach häuslicher Gewalt http://www.bdm.bs.ch/Ueber-uns/Organisation/Amt-fuer-

Fachstelle für (Gewalt-) Prävention Kanton Solothurn: http://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/praevention/gewaltpraevention/

Frauenhaus Aargau-Solothurn http://www.frauenhaus-ag-so.ch/

Kindes-und Erwachsenenschutz (KESB) Solothurn: https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/departement-des-innern/amt-fuer-soziale-sicherheit/kindes-und-erwachsenenschutz/

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Beratungsstelle für

gewaltausübende Personen,

Pratteln, Tel. 061 821 46 36

www.beratungsstelle-

wegweisung.bl.ch

KESB Baselland

http://www.kesb-bl.ch/

Justizvollzug/Bewaehrungshilfe/Weitere-Dienste.html#page_section3_section1

Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde Basel-Stadt (KESB) http://www.kesb.bs.ch/

Placing children in foster care

Pflegekinder-Aktion Schweiz,

Bederstrasse 105a, 8002

Zürich, Tel. 044 205 50 40,

info@pflegekinder.ch

www.pflegekinder.ch

Schweizer Kinder- und

Jugendheime

www.heiminfo.ch

Hometreatment Aargau- aufsuchende Familienarbeit http://www.hota.ch/

Fachstelle Pflegekind Kanton Aargau http://www.pflegekind-ag.ch/

Indikationssteller für Fremdplatzierung von Kindern im Kanton Baselland http://www.birmann-stiftung.ch

Pflegefamilien Baselland https://www.baselland.ch/Pflegefamilien.317403.0.html

Wegwarte Basel-Übergangsheim für Frauen und Mütter mit ihren Kindern in schwierigen Lebenslagen

http://www.wegwarte-basel.ch/home/

Familea can place children with foster families or in children homes http://www.familea.ch/de/Kinder-und-Jugendhilfe/Kinderheime.php

Arkadis- Fachstelle für Pflegefamilien Kanton Solothurn http://www.pflegefamilien-so.ch/

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Book recommendations

Our book recommendations are generally for books that are available only in German. Where possible we’ve listed the English translation or

an equivalent.

On the topic of mobbing

„Das Anti-Mobbing-Buch. Gewalt an der Schule – vorbeugen, erkennen, handeln“ Mustafa Jannan, Beltz-Verlag, 2008

„Mobbing erkennen, vorbeugen und erfolgreich zur Wehr setzen“ Angelika Tiefenbacher, Compact-Verlag, 2008

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Family Guide Northwestern Switzerland

Death

What to do if someone dies?o Documents to hand over

to the burial/registryoffice

o Whose responsibility is itto notify theburial/registry office?

o Questions asked by theburial/registry office

o Injunctions issued by theburial/registry office

o Things that need to bedone after a death hasbeen registered

o Time limits, openinghours and on-callservices

Sudden infant death When Children die End-of-life care and active

euthanasia Suicide Palliative care

Death always reminds us of our own mortality. It is a frightening thought. Many people don’t want to think about death until a relative or a friend dies – by which time there is not much time to deal with things properly. The family is paralysed with grief and pain. Yet there are important decisions and actions to be taken.

What to do if someone dies

First of all, the burial/registry office of the town or village where the deceased person lived must be informed. The office will take care of all other formalities for the funeral. Please note that the deceased can be buried no earlier than 48 hours after the time of death.

If the deceased has stated any wishes regarding the funeral, they must be adhered to. Otherwise it is up to the next of kin to settle the details of the funeral. If a person wishes to deposit last wishes regarding funeral arrangements, it can be

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done so at the burial/registry office.

Below, please find a brief summary of what you need to do at the burial/registry office if a relative has died:

If the deceased has died at home

First of all, a doctor must be called, who confirms death and issuess a death certificate. After that, the body can be taken to a chapel of rest.

If the deceased has died at the hospital, at the hospice or in a nursing home

The nurse informs the doctor, dresses the body and prepares him or her for the laying out. Usually, the hospital, hospice or nursing home will send the death certificate and a written death notice to the burial/registry office. The next of kin will receive a copy of the death notice or death certificate.

In case of an accident, suicide or active euthanasia, the Police must be informed.

Documents to hand over to the burial/registry office

Death certificate issued by thehospital/hospice/nursing home

Family record book

Proof of residence (legal aliensmust bring a passport or residencepermit)

Whose responsibility is it to notify the burial/registry office?

• The spouse or• children and their spouses or• the resident next of kin or

• the person present at the time ofdeath or

• a member of staff of thehospital/hospice/nursing home.

Questions asked by the burial/registry office

• Should the body be buried orcremated?

• Does the family wish for a funeralservice in a cemetery chapel or in achurch, a brief liturgy on thecemetery or a private funeral ritualand ceremony?

• Should the body be buried in aregular grave, an urn grave, acollective grave or a family grave?(If a person already knows that heor she wants to be buried in acollective grave, a writtendeclaration must be deposited withthe burial/registry office.)

• Who acts as representative for theheirs (contact details for themunicipal authority)?

• Is a private death notice publishedbefore or after the funeral?

• Does the family wish there to be noofficial death notice?

• If a person has died at home, whencan the body be placed in thecoffin and taken to the cemetery?

Injunctions issued by the burial/registry office

• The burial/registry office isresponsible for the body to beplaced in a coffin and taken to the

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cemetary, for the cremation and/or laying out in the mortuary, and for the urn to be taken to the cemetary.

• The office also sets the date for thefuneral and the service,

• and informs the family of the priestwho will hold the ceremony.

• The office will further notify thepriest, the cemetery gardener, thesexton and the organist.

• It will publish the official deathnotice in the local newspaper (afterthe funeral if requested).

These injunctions can vary from town to town.

Things that need to be done after the burial/registry office

• get in touch with the a religiousrepresentative, if applicable assoon as possible

• print funeral circulars and compile alist of addresses

• publish death notices innewspapers

• order a funeral meal

• inform relatives, friends, clubs andformer employers of the deceased

• inform his or her insurancecompanies, health insurance andpension fund/AHV

• If there is a last will and testament,it must be handed over for probateto the District Court of the last

place of residence of the deceased (Art. 556 Swiss Civil Code).

Time limits, opening hours and on-call service

Every death must be reported to the burial/registry office within two days (according to Art. 81 Swiss Ordinance on Civil Status). Please check the opening hours. Usually, burial/registry offices do not have on-call service at weekends, but there may be one on bank holidays and over Christmas. Check with the local burial/registry office.

Sudden infant death

Cot death, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can afflict perfectly healthy babies. In western countries, it is one of the most frequent causes of death in infancy. It occurs while the baby is sleeping and without any visible causes, predominantly within the first twelve months, and it has nothing to do with the family’s social situation. There is no way of predicting sudden infant death to date. However, some easy preventive measures can be taken. YThey can be found on the website of the Swiss Society of Paediatrics:

• Avoid smoking and make sure theenvironment is smoke free, evenduring pregnancy. Every cigaretteincreases the risk of sudden infantdeath.

• Check the temperature in thebaby’s room: 17° to 19° Celsius areideal. The baby's bed must not beexposed to direct sunlight and notplaceed next to the radiator.

• Let the baby sleep on its back oron its side. There may not be a

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direct connection between sleeping on the stomach and sudden infant death. It is certain, however, that sleeping on the stomach significantly increases the risk of sudden infant death. The baby should be laid down on its back; it won’t need a pillow, and there is no danger that it might choke on vomit. If the baby is laid on its side, the lower arm should be placed in front of the body to prevent the baby from rolling onto its stomach. Once the baby is awake, it can be left it on its stomach or rolling about.

• Dress the baby appropriately andprevent it from overheating. Keep its head free so that excess body heat can evaporate through the skull.

• Do not place pillows, duvets, muslin cloths or soft furs in the cot.

They are too warm and could blockthe baby’s nose and prevent it from

breathing.• Breastfeed your baby as long as

possible. Mother’s milk protects itfrom allergies and infections, andgenerally has a positive effect onthe baby’s health.

A doctor should be consulted in these cases:

• The baby turns blue in the face.

• The baby is sweating heavily in itssleep (when the clothes aresoaking wet and have to bechanged), or is unusually pale.

• The baby stops breathing forover 15 seconds while sleeping.

• The baby is hard to wake up.

• The baby often throws up, chokeson milk or has trouble drinking.

• The baby is feverish or won’tdrink.

• The baby cries in a particularlyshrill voice, and can’t be soothed

Some scientists claim that cot death is caused by fungi in the baby’s mattress. However, this theory has been proven wrong. The mattress protectors recommended by these scientists may not be worth their price.

When children die

Imagining that children get ill and die is difficult and sad at the same time. It’s thus a topic that is not often talked about.

„ It is however a fact, that every year 500 children in Switzerland die because of a metabolic disorder or a chronic disease of the nervous- and immune system or because of cancer.

Months or even years can pass between the diagnosis and the time of death. This is an important time, which deserves the

attention of the media, the public at large, the doctors as well as the affected children and their families. Only then can ways be found in mutual discussions to ensure that this final time is as nice as possible for the ill children and their loved ones”.

Institutions that help in dealing with the terminal illness or death of a child are listed at the end of this chapter.

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End of life care and active euthanasia

There are many books about death and dying. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross is certainly a pioneer in the field. In her many long and in-depth interviews, terminally ill patients reveal their deepest thoughts and feelings. In the face of death, these people free themselves from guilt and fear and find optimism, trust and love instead. These conversations have become the main reference for individuals and institutions dealing with death and dying. In her books, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross lets her readers participate in her own intense emotional process.

Her ground breaking first book called «Interviews with the dying» defines five stages that a person goes through when dying: denial, rage, negotiation, depression and acceptance. In the following years, Kübler-Ross proved that these stages are also helpful when coming to terms with other difficult situations in life. The author offers insight and advice that help readers to find their way back to a normal life and find courage for the future.

In Switzerland, active euthanasia is legal. A law is currently being prepared, parts of which are still debated.

Exit and Dignitas are two private organisations that offer active euthanasia. They lobby for a person’s right to determine the way in which he wants to die. Both organisations also offer support in drawing up a patient decree, providing legal advice and, if requested, terminal care. The Red Cross organises evening

classes and further education courses on dying and end-of-life care.

Suicide

Each death is associated with mourning. When a loved one commits suicide many additional feelings such as guilt might be awakened, which are not as prevalent when somebody dies of natural causes. It is very important to deal with these feelings and to process them.

It is important to get the help. Contact with a counselling centre or exchange with others who have lost a loved one due to suicide may help a great deal.

Palliative Care

There are two clinics specialising in palliative care in the Basel area: «Hospiz im Park» in Arlesheim is a public clinic for palliative care, where an interdisciplinary team treats and nurses patients with degenerative terminal diseases. «Hildegard Hospiz» in Basel is a private clinic specialising in palliative care and rehabilitation.

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Death: addresses and links Please note: Most of the described services and links are in German. If a service is explicitly offered in English this is marked by a * Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn What to do if someone dies?

Abteilung Register und Personenstand des Department Volkswirtschaft und Inneres informs about what to do if someone dies https://www.ag.ch/de/dvi/persoenliches_zivilstandswesen/zivilstandsfragen/todesfall/todesfall_1.jsp

In the Canton of Aargau splitting up the inheritance is the responsibility of the heirs.

The Zivilstandesamt Basel-Landschaft informs about what to do when someone dies https://www.baselland.ch/Zivilstandswesen-Infos-zu-Todesfaellen.273548.0.html

Erbschaftsamt Baselland https://www.baselland.ch/Erbschaften.273499.0.html

The Bestattungswesen der Stadtgärtnerei Basel-Stadt informs about what to do when someone dies http://www.stadtgaertnerei.bs.ch/bestattungswesen/anmeldung-todesfaelle.html

Erbschaftsamt Basel-Stadt http://www.erbschaftsamt.bs.ch/erbgang.html

Please inform yourself directly at the municipality office about what to do when someone dies.

Erbschaftsämter Solothurn https://www.so.ch/verwaltung/finanzdepartement/erbschaftsaemter/

Sudden Infant Death

Elternvereinigung SIDS Schweiz http://sids.ch/kindstod/index.html Fachstelle Fehlgeburt und perinataler Kindstod http://www.fpk.ch/

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Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn When children die

Stiftung Kinderhospiz http://www.kinderhospiz-schweiz.ch/

Stiftung Sternschnuppe http://www.sternschnuppe.ch/home/

Stiftung Wunderlampe http://www.wunderlampe.ch/

Pro Pallium- Schweizer Palliativstiftung für Kinder und junge Erwachsene http://www.pro-pallium.ch/

Pall Kids- Für Eltern und Kinder (Familienbegleitung) http://www.pallkids.ch/ Verein Regenbogen Schweiz- Leben mit dem Tod eines Kindes * http://verein-regenbogen.ch/

Elterntreffpunkt Girasol-

The „Universitätskinderspital beider Basel“ supports families of chronically or terminally ill children since 2011 with a special care team. http://www.ukbb.ch/de/elternbesucher/weitere-dienstleistungen/care-team.html

The „Universitätskinderspital beider Basel“ supports families of chronically or terminally ill children since 2011 with a special care team http://www.ukbb.ch/de/elternbesucher/weitere-dienstleistungen/care-team.html

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grieving parents can meet here after losing their child http://www.elterntreffpunkt-girasol.ch/hauptseite/startseite.html End-of-life care and active euthanasia

www.exit.ch www.dignitas.ch

Article on beobachter.ch about euthanasia in Switzerland http://www.beobachter.ch/justiz-behoerde/gesetze-recht/artikel/sterbehilfe_tod-auf-verlangen/

Benevol Aargau http://www.benevol-aargau.ch/traeger-und-mitglieder/uebersichtportraits/verein-hospiz-aargau/

Verein Hospiz Aargau http://www.hospiz-aargau.ch/

Palliative Care und Begleitung der reformierten Landeskirche Aargau http://www.palliative-begleitung.ch/

Kurs des SRK Baselland zur Begleitung von Sterbenden http://www.srk-baselland.ch/i4Def.aspx?tabid=731

GGG Voluntas supports people in dealing with an illness, grieving and death and offers classes together with the Red Cross of Basel on how to give end-of life care. http://www.ggg-voluntas.ch/index.php?id=77

Trauer-und Sterbebegleitung Region Solothurn und Bern http://www.bei-leid.ch/1._Hilfe_bei_Trauer_und_Tod/Trauer_Sterbebegleitung_Solothurn_Bern.html

Trauer- und Sterbebegleitung der Hospiz Gruppe Solothurn http://hospizgruppe-so.ch/

Switzerland Aargau Basel-Landschaft Basel-Stadt Solothurn Suicide

Verein Refugium- Verein für Hinterbliebene nach Suizid http://www.verein-refugium.ch/

Suizid-Netz Aargau http://www.suizid-netz-aargau.ch/

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Ipsilon- Initiative zur Prävention von Suizid in der Schweiz http://www.ipsilon.ch/de/home.cfm

Palliative Care

The website oft he „Fachgesellschaft Palliative Care“ lets you find palliative care instutions in Switzerland: http://www.palliative.ch/index.php?id=91

Palliative Care Hirslanden Klinik Aarau https://www.hirslanden.ch/global/de/startseite/kliniken_zentren/zentren_institute/aarau/tumor_zentrum/kompetenzen/palliative_care.html

Verein Hospiz Aargau http://www.hospiz-aargau.ch/

Hospiz im Park, Stollenrain 12, 4144 Arlesheim, Tel. 061 706 92 22 www.hospizimpark.ch

Hildegard-Hospiz, St. Alban-Ring 151, 4020 Basel, Tel. 061 319 75 75 www.hildegard-hospiz.ch

Palliative Care Solothurn http://www.palliative-so.ch/index.html

Book recommendations

On the topic of end of life care

„Todesfall. Ein Ratgeber für Hinterbliebene“ Von Monika Fischer, Paul Haupt Verlag, 2001

Bücher von Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: − „Jedes Ende ist ein strahlender Beginn. Für alle Menschen, die Trost und Zuspruch suchen“, Silberschnur-Verlag, 1992

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− „Reif werden zum Tode. Es kommt auf die Intensität des Lebens an“, Droemer Knaur Verlag, 2004 − „Dem Leben neu vertrauen. Den Sinn des Trauerns durch fünf Stadien des Verlustes finden“, David Kessler (Mitautor), Kreuz-Verlag,

2009 − „Interviews mit Sterbenden“, Kreuz Verlag, Neuausgabe 2009

On the topic "when children die"

Artikel der Universität Zürich http://www.uzh.ch/news/articles/2011/wenn-die-kindheit-mit-dem-tod-endet.html

Artikel auf Familienleben.ch http://www.familienleben.ch/leben/konflikte/wenn-kinder-sterben-1474

We would like to refer you to the extensive booklist of the „Verein Regenbogen“: http://verein-regenbogen.ch/mediathek/buecherliste/