Home is the easiest place for a child to go barefoot on a regular basis. Both while in and out of the house, kids can easily be without footwear and not have to worry about the pressures of society.
One slight exception to being barefoot at home may be while in the kitchen and working with sharp objects. Dropping a knife on a bare foot, or hand, can be dangerous. However, it’s much more likely that hands and fingers would be injured than feet.
Make it a house rule that only bare feet are allowed. It will help to decrease wear and tear on floors help make friends comfortable when visiting. Germs and other unwanted house guests get trapped in shoe tread and needs to be left outside.
When friends come to visit, don’t forget to have the barefoot rule apply to everyone. If parents ask about the rule, it gives great opportunity to spread the awareness of the benefits of going without footwear.
In colder climates, such as Iowa, blankets can be used to keep warm if needed or just becoming more active will help warm cold feet. Therefore, if not already, leave the shoes and socks off at home and not give them another thought until heading out, and not necessarily even then.
When going to a friend’s house, just think of footwear as formal attire, and not a requirement. Leave the shoes at home in the closet, they will be one less item to remember when going home. This can be extended to going to the pool, shopping, and maybe even school!
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