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>Sometimes a bit of nudging is needed to get your child >to try going barefoot, and sometimes you need to >defend a barefoot lifestyle against those who think >it's unsafe, gross or unhealthy. > >As a parent, convincing your child to go barefoot: >Often that's not even necessary. If parents don't get >their children used to putting on socks and shoes when >getting dressed, it's just normal for them to go >without. >If wearing something on their feet is normal for them >and you want to change that, you can point out how >pleasant the ground is, that it's practical not to >bother with shoes. Best find the most pleasant >barefoot surfaces together, walk barefoot with them >and expand the barefoot comfort zone little by little >every day. >To encourage their children to go barefoot in more >situations, depending on the nature of the child, >parents could point out they're tough and brave to go >barefoot even outside in the city, on hikes, when it's >colder ... And/or that their little bare feet are just >pretty, cute and adorable. Yes it's tough and cute at >the same time, a barefoot boy or girl is dressed >perfectly for just about any situation, from wild >outdoor fun to a festive party and anything inbetween. >For those kids concerned about their appearance, >parents could point out they look cool barefoot and >it's a wonderful part of their personal style. > >As a child, convincing your parents that you want to >go barefoot: For you it's just fun, easy and a >wonderful feeling, but there's more to it. Practical >arguments should convince practically thinking >parents: Less shoe shopping, no more dirty socks that >clutter up the place and have to be washed and sorted, >less waiting time for the child to be ready when going >out. Cleaning your feet when needed and not showing >off your dirty feet to parents will be better for >parents very concerned about cleanliness. That should >also help if they are concerned about germs. >Health arguments will convince just about anyone: >which parents don't want their kids to grow up >healthy? In a nutshell, going barefoot will give you >better muscles, better circulation (no more cold >feet), tougher skin (no more injuries), no smelly >feet, no blisters, no deformations, no ingrown nails >and none of the problems caused by ill-fitting shoes. >If your parents are afraid you will get injured, you >will have to point out you watch your step. Just watch >out for the trail and lift your feet. > >Sometimes a need of convincing doesn't just come up in >the family. Other family members, neighbours, >teachers, even city authorities might accuse parents >of being negligible by letting their children go >barefoot. Then again the best argument is that the >children are healthy, happy and doing what they like, >it does not harm them or anyone so it shouldn't be >anybody else's worry. What better argument is there >than fine kids who obviously aren't missing anything >substantial in their life? > >Have any of you ever had the need to defend your (or >your children's) choice to go barefoot to anyone else?

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