Being a Parent

There are many opportunities for mothers and fathers to exchange experiences with other parents or to take part in activities with their child. Several opportunites are provided to enable Swiss and foreign parents to get to know each other.

• For infants and toddlers up to age 2 there are playgroups (Krabbelgruppen) where parents can make contact as well.
• Parent-child gymnastics (MuKi-/VaKi-/ElKi-Turnen) offer games, fun, and exercise for parents and their children. Gymnastics are offered in most communities.
• Family centres (Familienzentrum) host various events for parents and their children.
• Libraries have offers for younger and older children and their parents.

Inquiring about the numerous regional opportunities at the communities of residence is always worthwhile.

In Canton Basel-Landschaft, parents can take classes on a wide variety of topics. There are classes that specialise in addressing immigrants' needs. For example, there are classes on the Swiss school system. Some classes are offered in foreign languages. The website "Elternbildung Baselland," schools, and the community of residence provide additional information about different offers.

Persons with questions regarding children's education can turn to various information centres. All regions have family counselling centres. In addition, mother and father counselling (Mütter- und Väterberatung) is available in various communities, including questions regarding infant care. The parent helpline works with a trained staff that counsels parents on the phone or via email (telephone 0848 35 45 55 (fixed network tariff), www.elternnotruf.ch).