Warning My Child of Danger Too Much

Dear parent,

It is not a matter of “warning” but of leading the way. Bare feet are much more healthy and natural and help develop the foot and the spine healthfully. Bare feet create healthy arches which in turn hold the spine erect and correctly aligned. After all, feet are made for handling the rough stony, hot, cold and thorny ground. In a way we have made ourselves into some kind of handicaps who cannot use our feet as they were intended.

Going bare foot in the city can be fine and safe, depending on the neighborhood you live in. If the ground is free of broken glass, I would let a child walk bare foot. If you are in the middle of a city where it is truly dirty and possibly unsafe, then just put the shoes on and say, “When we go out we must wear shoes.” Instead of “warning,” lead the way.

Most likely, your child can go barefoot. And, I would recommend to minimize the use of shoes and get only those soft leather or fabric ones you can get through the Mothering site. Those keep the foot moving naturally and flexibly.

Warmly, Naomi Aldort http://authenticparent.com