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>From what I read here, your children don't really need >words of encouragement to go barefoot because it's >what they prefer anyway. Still a little moral support >is good, especially if they get negative comments, or >may be a bit hesistant at new situations, so I have >compiled a few things that could be said: > >- You know that you're stronger and braver than all >the other kids who wouldn't dare to go barefoot there? >- Your feet are looking so cool/cute, it would be a >shame to hide them. (depends whether the child prefers >to be "cool" or "cute", some enjoy being both! Could >also say how well what they currently wear goes with >bare feet.) >- Now you can sneak around quietly, or climb on trees >much better! >- The grass/moss/sand/mud (etc) feels so fantastic, >don't miss it! (Much better argument if the parents go >barefoot too and why would they want to miss out on >that feeling?) >- A puddle is a nuisance when you're shod, a >refreshment when you're barefoot. >- Shoelaces go open? Stone in the shoe? Blisters from >friction? Can't happen to you! >- Your feet are free to wiggle and never stink ... > >(I guess that referring to long term benefits isn't >that interesting to kids and not really necessary >either if there are so many immediate advantages.) > >As has been noted before, young kids don't give that >much of a thought to what others may think, especially >if going barefoot is their everyday way of life. I >have once hiked with kids of another family who really >loved walking barefoot on the alpine meadows but when >it came to crossing a snow field (on a warm and sunny >day) one girl was extremely cautious and wanted to >avoid the snow. Since all of us were warm from the >hike and there's absolutely no danger of frostbite >from walking a minute on snow if you're warm, I >encouraged here with the words: >- It's like licking ice cream with your feet!

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