Children

Raising children

Raising a child is quite a challenge. Having a child is a big responsibility. It is quite normal to ask yourself whether you are doing well. Organisations such as Opvoedingslijn and Huizen van het kind Vlaanderen, can help you if you have questions about parenting.

Also children without a valid residence permit have the right to attend school.

Going to school

In Flanders, children from the age of 2.5 go to kindergarten. Children aged 6 to 18 must attend school. For more information about education in Flanders, take a look at the website of the Flemish community and Onderwijskiezer

Your child does not speak Dutch?

If your child does not speak Dutch and lives in Flanders, you must register him/her for a reception class as soon as possible. The sooner your children are familiar with the language, the easier it will be for them to integrate in local society. The reception desk of the city or municipality where you live can give you further advice. You can find further information on the website Inburgering Vlaanderen.

How do your children spend their free time? 

What do your children do after school, during the weekend and the school holidays? Are you looking for fun activities for your children? Does your child like sports or crafts or would he/she like to join a youth club or group? Every city or municipality has a youth service where you can get more information. Via the links below you will find further information about this subject for the cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Hasselt:

Youth service Antwerp 

Youth service Ghent 

Youth service Hasselt

Health

The Huizen van het Kind help you monitor your child's health. Every Huis van het Kind has a Kind en Gezin consultation room where they monitor your child’s growth, health and development and give the necessary vaccinations. In the Huizen van het Kind you will also find other organisations that support parents with the upbringing of their children. You will certainly find a Huis van het Kind nearby where you can get help. Visit Huizen van het kind website to find out more.