vähesusele

Vähesusele is a concept in Estonian social work and child welfare that refers to the phenomenon of leaving an only child at home to attend to other family members, typically older relatives or people with disabilities.

The practice of vähesusele is deeply rooted in Estonian culture and is often seen as a way to honor family obligations and provide care to those in need. In many cases, children are left at home with minimal adult supervision to care for their elderly relatives or people with disabilities.

While vähesusele may seem like an unusual and even neglectful practice to outsiders, it is an integral part of Estonian family life and social norms. In many Estonian families, it is expected that children will take on a caregiving role from a young age, and vähesusele is seen as an extension of this responsibility.

Research suggests that vähesusele can have both positive and negative effects on children. On the one hand, children who participate in vähesusele may develop important life skills such as empathy, self-reliance, and responsibility. On the other hand, being left alone for extended periods can also expose children to risk and neglect.

In recent years, there has been increased attention to the practice of vähesusele due to concerns about child welfare and safety. In response, Estonian authorities have implemented policies and programs aimed at reducing the risk of harm to children and promoting more age-appropriate care arrangements.