The editorial in May

Dear reader
Hand on heart: Are you happy where you live? And how do you live? Do you rent or own your own home? On the edge of the forest or on the motorway? Do you have an Italian designer sofa in your living room? Or an old couch? And your children? Do they sleep stacked (in a bunk bed)? Or do they each have their own room?

For many people, living is a matter of course. We take it for granted that we have a place where we can recharge our batteries, live, sleep and maintain our privacy. We are not always satisfied with our living situation: we long for more space, more peace and quiet, more greenery. And for affordable living space. If we live in the city, we don't know where to put the car. And the noise makes us ill. If we live in the countryside, we have to travel long distances to work. And we are annoyed by the public transport network.
How do families live in Switzerland? How comfortable do they feel within their own four walls? And how important is a child-friendly environment to them? Author Stefan Michel spoke to families and experts. His conclusion: "It's getting cramped. New family forms need more space. The trend is moving towards «less private living space - more shared spaces».There are no limits to communal activities: there are already cooperative housing estates in Zurich with their own crèche, homework supervision and restaurant. Our dossier: Show me how you live ...

«You live the way you live, you live the way you live.»

Adalbert Bauwens, interior designer

Is it okay to regret motherhood? Publicly admit: «I was happier without a child»? The German author Sarah Fischer has done just that. And wrote a book about it: «Die Mutterglücklüge» (The Motherhood Lie) was written in the course of the discussion about the Israeli
study #Regretting Motherhood - 23 women had declared that having children was a mistake. My colleague Bianca Fritz met Sarah Fischer in Munich and got to know a loving mother who disturbs many with her statements. And speaks from the heart for some.

This issue once again includes a special issue on career choices. Following the
success last year, we have further expanded our service: On
68 pages, we make young people fit for the step into professional life
and support them in their search for their dream job.
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Please make a note of this date. We will be launching our new website on 23 May. We have cleared out, spruced up and modernised the portal of Schweizer ElternMagazin. Our aim is to become the first port of call for questions about parenting, family and school. From 23 May at www.fritzundfraenzi.ch and in the June issue.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue. And I look forward to receiving mail from you.
Nik Niethammer