Stop neglect, your children need you this holiday

DAR ES SALAAM: AS schools wind down for the December and New Year break, the excitement of a long vacation can easily create blind spots for parents and guardians. Holidays should be a time of rest, renewal and family bonding, not a season of risk, misdirection, or exploitation.

This editorial calls on every parent to step up vigilance, guidance and responsibility during this extended holiday period.

First and foremost, parents must know where their children are, who they are spending time with, and what activities they are engaging in. The holiday freedom that children cherish can quickly become an open door to dangerous influences.

Idle roaming often ends in regrettable situations, especially when young people fall into the company of peers who flirt with delinquency. Criminal behaviour and street demonstrations are not harmless adventures; they place children at physical risk and expose families to legal trouble.

A child’s safety begins with a parent’s awareness and consistent presence. Parents must also be wary of the growing trend of “holiday tuition,” often marketed as essential catch-up learning.

In reality, many of these sessions are thinly veiled attempts by some teachers and schools to exploit families financially.

Children deserve time to rest their minds, reconnect with home life and enjoy unstructured creativity. Pushing them back into academic pressure during a period meant for recovery is both unfair and unhealthy.

Equally troubling is the practice of parents hiring out their children to employers during the holidays. While some adults may view this as a way to teach responsibility or supplement family income, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.

Children are not a temporary labour force. Holiday employment exposes them to exploitation, hazardous environments, and premature adult burdens.

It robs them of rest, play, and healthy development. The law is clear in many jurisdictions: minors must not be engaged in labour that compromises their well-being. Parents should protect, not commodify, their children.

As the holiday period unfolds, parents must remember that vigilance does not mean fear, it means responsibility.

ALSO READ: Why Indian celebrities prefer Tanzania for holidays

Setting clear rules about movement, friends and time outside the home helps establish a safe rhythm for the break.

Supervise online activity as closely as physical movement, as digital spaces can be just as dangerous.

Encourage children to participate in family chores, community service, creative hobbies, or sports activities that build character without exposing them to harm.

Holidays present a rare window for families to strengthen trust, communication, and values. Let this season be one of intentional parenting rather than accidental neglect.

Ultimately, safeguarding children during the holidays is a collective duty that begins at home. Every parent must embrace the role of guardian, mentor, and advocate.

Do not assume that your child is safe simply because they appear mature or independent; guidance remains essential at every stage of growth.

Talk openly with them about risks, expectations, and choices. Create an environment where they feel comfortable.

The long school break is not merely a pause in academic learning; it is a test of family leadership. Let us ensure that no child becomes a casualty of neglect, exploitation, or reckless freedom this holiday season.