How to Get Children to Wear Supportive Shoes
Children can be very sensitive to decisions about their clothing and often resist suggestions made by parents about what they wear. It can be especially difficult if your child has a medical condition that requires the use of special shoes or supportive orthotics. The good news is that many manufacturers have designed stylish shoes for children that meet both minor and major health concerns. Pre-planning and a positive approach can soften the stigma and make the choice of healthy shoes fun.
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Things You'll Need
- Pictures or examples of supportive shoes
- Pictures or examples of current children's shoe couture of all kinds
- Age-appropriate brochures or medical fact sheets about foot health
Instructions
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Develop a Strategy
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1
Clearly define your reasons for choosing supportive shoes for your child. Write down your thoughts in order of importance. If a medical condition is involved, write down statements about the benefits of the shoes that your child can understand. Use this list to help you explain why you are asking your child to wear supportive shoes.
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2
Consider the objections your child may have to your decision about their shoes. Assess their peer group for possible social stigma that they may face. If your child needs supportive leg braces, choice of available stylish shoes may help them feel better about the situation. Make a written list of the objections you anticipate.
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3
Investigate available shoe styles and select a variety of shoes that address both health-related priorities and your child's possible objections. Collect age-appropriate information about foot health and examples of both supportive shoes and "normal" shoes to have on hand when introducing your child to your decision about their shoes.
Deliver Your Pitch
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4
Research ahead of time which brands and styles include supportive elements before setting out with your child to purchase the shoes. Let your child choose a style they like among the brands you know will support the health of their feet.
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Use the health information you have collected to clearly explain the benefits of supportive shoes if there is resistance to choosing the appropriate shoe styles. Assure them that there are shoes available that are both healthy and fun to wear.
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6
Stick to your decision and stay positive. With your advance research in mind, you can stay ahead of known objections with options you know will satisfy both your priorities and your child's desire to choose shoes that they like.
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Tips & Warnings
It is very important that you are well-informed about your child's medical needs before purchasing supportive shoes. If you have any questions about health claims made by shoe manufacturers, contact your pediatrician or orthopedist.
