Triin Hermann: Keep an Eye on Children Over Summer and Intervene When Needed

Summer brings most families a change to their usual daily routine, with children spending more time outdoors and parents needing to pay closer attention. Child protection expert Triin Hermann emphasizes that adult responsibility for children's safety does not disappear during the summer holidays.

Summer is here, Midsummer's Day, warm evenings and white nights beckon children outdoors, and in most families the usual daily routine changes significantly. Children are more at large, plans are flexible, and supervision requires conscious organization.

Child protection expert Triin Hermann notes that although summer means rest and freedom for both children and parents, the adult obligation to monitor children's welfare does not vanish. "Keep an eye on children and intervene when necessary," Hermann says.

During the summer months, the regular school day structure was replaced with more flexible time use, which opens up endless possibilities but also brings a greater need for parents to maintain their attention. For some families, a summer plan is indeed in place, even if that plan is "this summer we're not making plans."

Experts advise parents nonetheless to keep informed about where their children spend time and with whom, and to be ready to intervene if something goes wrong. Summer offers children valuable experiences and independence, but adult support and supervision remain essential.