The editorial for the December issue

Did you know that the magazine you are holding in your hands was originally supposed to be called something completely different? In their search for a snappy name, the founders sought advice from Zurich advertising expert Hermann Strittmatter. «You want to use the magazine to help parents whose children are naughty and cause problems?» he asked. «Then why don't you call it the Saugoof?»
Today, 15 years later, Schweizer ElternMagazin is the leading parenting guide in Switzerland. One name is closely associated with the Fritz+Fränzi project: Ellen Ringier. Influenced by her grandfather's words: «Life is always about giving other people a chance», the daughter of a Lucerne fur trader felt the desire to do good from an early age. After studying law and spending years travelling in Germany, Ellen Ringier founded the Elternsein Foundation on 27 March 2001. The first issue of Fritz+Fränzi appeared six months later. «My printed social project was a feat of strength against a lot of resistance,» recalls the wife of publisher Michael Ringier. «My husband thought he knew better how to lose money with magazine launches.»

«Ellen Ringier opens our eyes to the concerns of parents - with the Elternsein Foundation and the magazine «Fritz+Fränzi». She is also highly committed to addressing the facets of young people, grandparents and schools - fact-based and without taboos. For this, she deserves my recognition and my sincere thanks.»

Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor

Anyone leafing through older issues will notice that many topics are the same today: mental disorders, youth suicide, pubescent adolescents, stressed parents. The purpose of the foundation is also unchanged: With our guidebook, we want to support and accompany parents in both good and difficult times.
Ellen Ringier celebrates her 65th birthday on 7 December. My colleague Evelin Hartmann and I met her for an interview. For two hours, the former top climber talked about her eventful life, raved about her grandchildren and revealed what still drives her. At the end - we were a little smoky, the mother of two and grandmother is a passionate smoker - she expressed her heart's desire. But read for yourself - in the December issue of the Swiss parents' magazine Fritz+Fränzi! You can order it here.

As always, I hope you enjoy reading this double issue. The next issue will be published on 7 February 2017. Stay tuned - and continue to follow us here on the website.
Yours sincerely, Nik Niethammer