By looking at shoes, we can see the reflection of the personality of the wearer. The shape in which the shoe is in can help tell how the wearer stands or walks. Shoes also show character in how the individual reacts to fashion by the style, brand name, condition or quality of materials.
When my kids were infants, I went by the advice of others and books I had read that shoes weren't the best thing for developing feet. The hard soles could possibly bring trouble to growing muscles and bones. Their tiny toes could feel the floor better to start crawling. I bought Robeez and other similar shoes for day care and times they required shoes. Most of the time in their learning to walk years, they were barefoot at home. As far as I can tell, no one is pigeoned toed, mule legged or walking funny, so I back my decision.
Now that they are older, there is a different battle. Owen still would rather not take the time to put shoes on the correct feet and make sure he just doesn't stomp around on the heel like they were a clog. Megan puts on shoes, but will quickly escape from their captivity and run around barefoot in the yard. Aidan loves to wear shoes and socks, because he is a a big kid and does pretty much what mama says.
Last week Scott and I attended our first school conference as parents of a Kindergarten student. I arrived at school, started unloading the children out of the mommy van and then made a panicked phone call to Scott. Where are you? So, you don't have extra time? Okay. I guess we will just deal with this situation. Deep breath.
Turns out with the change of routine and anxiety of what a conference was, Owen didn't put on his shoes before he got into the van. Not even half way. Not even on the wrong feet. Just not at all. We were already at school yet had no time to reverse course. I smiled and shouted, "Let's go!"
Still nervous, Owen entered the classroom and explained teary eyed his shoe-less self. The teacher smiled and winked at me. After all, she has spent many hours a week with Owen for the past month. She knows how he rolls. We proceeded with our conference, and left full of hope. Not only is Owen improving on behavior, he scored well on the pretest for Kindergarten.
We left the parent teacher conference with a mindful of what we need to work on. It is amazing the level of reading he is expected to be at by the end of the school year., even more what is expected by the first grade. Considering how tired my Kindergarten child returns home, the hours Scott works, and the attention other children need, this may be a great task. Add to the list putting on shoes, correctly. Maybe learning to tie.
Recently, we bought tap shoes and ballet shoes for Megan's dance class. Absent of any known preschool programs that don't cost a fortune and not excited about karate, we chose dance. She cherishes her shoes. She has kept them safely in her dance bag away from all potential harm from her brothers. She has never worn them outdoors and is careful to keep track of them at class. I still get teary eyed every time she runs into the studio, puts on her shoes and declares to everyone she is ready to start dancing.
One of the little things in life....Shoes. Gotta have them, don't need to love them. Some of us do, some don't. My all time favorite shoes were the Converse All Stars of the 80's, my knee high boots with heels, and my red and black Nike Teva-like sandals I just junked. Wow, did those shoes shoes hiked though hundreds of miles on paths through Duluth, never ending lawn mowing and daily wear for a decade. That is when I needed to wear shoes. After giving birth to 3 children and needing a 1/2 size bigger shoe after each child, I prefer the practical, sturdy, or plain. Or just barefoot. It is easier to dance that way.
We all need to dance in life. There is no better way to live.
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