What to Do When Children Refuse to Wear Shoes
Children – especially younger children – have, shall we say, a peculiar relationship with shoes! More specifically, many times they don’t even want to see them, let alone wear them… They prefer to run here and there with their little feet uncovered, causing headaches and anxiety for parents. But children’s shoes have a very important role: protection. This means that it is important to wear them, especially in public places such as beaches, changing rooms, playgrounds, etc. If you too are experiencing this reaction to shoes from your little ones, keep reading for some tips that will definitely help a lot.
Encourage autonomy
It’s important to choose children’s shoes that they can wear on their own (with Velcro, for example) to avoid the awkward process of having to put them on themselves, especially if they haven’t yet learned to tie their laces. This will reduce their stress about the whole thing and give them confidence.
Provide options
Every child has a unique personality, and it’s important that this personality is evident even in children’s shoes! Go together to choose a few pairs and see what suits your own child’s tastes, so they’ll love them and want to wear them. Don’t always impose your preferred choices as this could have the opposite effect!
Don’t make a big deal out of it.
Of course, we don’t mean don’t care, just don’t give the issue any more attention than you have to in order to avoid unnecessary fights. Besides, this would result in the child reacting more strongly and more zealously refusing to wear shoes. Explain to him the reasons why he should do so in a calm manner, make sure that he can find the shoes when he wants them and be sure that in time he will start wanting to wear them more and more.
And don’t forget, the perfect pairs of kids’ shoes are waiting for you at Smiley Steps Kids Shoes!
