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>t means to grow up either with constantly bare feet or >only using shoes to protect against very cold >temperatures in winter (in the same way as we have >gloves, scarf, hat and a warm jacket). > >Even newborns, long before they start walking, benefit >from being barefoot as they use their feet like >another pair of hands to reach for things. That gives >them a certain dexterity and improves balance as they >stand up for the first time. > >Learning to walk is much easier barefoot because it >allows to use the toes for balance. It also helps >against developing an unhealthy gait that’s too hard >on the joints. > >Most foot deformations aren’t from birth but develop >during the growth phase. A lot of these are because of >the wrong kind of shoes. Walking barefoot doesn’t >result in deformities, only in stronger and tougher >feet. > >Barefoot children are encouraged to be more active, to >run and climb unhindered by shoes. When the feet are >constantly out in the air, smells and fungus don’t >have a chance. > >It’s great fun to feel the world with your feet and >it’s also very practical not to have to try on and >buy new shoes in different sizes regularly as feet >grow, to take care of dirty or possibly damaged shoes >and socks, to wait for children to tie their laces … > >Children aren’t subject to the same strict dress >codes as adults and don’t have to work in dangerous >environments. Their typical radius of activity can be >kept safe and free of debris such as broken glass. > >At a young age you also adjust much more easily to >barefoot walking: If your first steps are barefoot, >you will get used to it easily and grow tough and >strong from the beginning. > >So a barefoot childhood has many advantages and those >who grew up barefoot will have fond memories of it all >their life, whether or not they continue to go >barefoot. There are still some risks however: Most >obvious is the risk of injury (stubbing your toe, >stepping into something sharp or pointy). So it’s a >good idea to have a small medical pack ready with wet >wipes, tweezer, finger plaster strips. > >When it gets freezing (below 0°C) there is risk of >frostbite on the toes. The body can adjust to such >temperatures if healthy and in a good shape by >increasing circulation. But it’s advisable to only >go out after warming up inside, and to go back in the >warmth as soon as the toes go numb. Children will say >when they get uncomfortably cold, so there is usually >no worry. A quick run in the snow won’t hurt though, >and after that, get back inside to warm up … > >When looking back into history, barefoot childhood >used to be very widespread among common people up >until shoes became an affordable mass-produced item. >Today most children don’t need to go barefoot out of >poverty, but it’s still a natural, healthy and fun >way to grow up. (And a pair of black soles is just the >sign of a wonderful day outside, and can easily be >scrubbed off in the shower.) > >Another important thing: Barefoot childhood doesn’t >just mean leaving away the shoes. It doesn’t mean >couch potato (shod or not), it means being active, >interested in nature, in touch with the world, aware >of your surroundings. Watching your step is the most >important thing to go barefoot safely and that can be >extended to a general awareness of your world. >Barefoot childhood means power and strength, it means >being curious, courageous and adventurous. It >doesn’t mean foolish but aware of the risks and >chances and living accordingly. Barefoot children are >strong, healthy, independent and capable of making >their own decisions. That means for parents to leave >things for their children to decide, not just whether >they want to put on shoes today or not. > >And parents shouldn't restrict the natural desire of >their children to move. Forcing them to sit still will >only lead to children who can do one thing well, >sitting still in front of TV or computer, who don't >move at all and get weak and obese.

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