High Heels Dangerous for Kids

Every time I see high heels for girls in a store, I simply want to scream. Not only is this a poor message to send little ones, but it's also dangerous. Kiddie high heels that are over 2 cm will increase the risk of twisted ankles, and also create tension in the back of the leg that is potentially capable of creating problems of growth and development of children.

Amazingly enough, most of the little girl shoes I see now are more like 2 inches of heel, not 2 cm. I've seen toddlers scooting around in Target in big foamy high heels, and occasionally tripping over themselves. Yet, it's not the 2 year old buying the shoe. It's the parent.

Many moms will say they simply 'caved in' because their daughter wanted the shoe. Well, duh..of course your child, who has no adult-life experience is going to want the high heel!

So, how does a parent cope with this? First, it's good to set a precedent with your child at a young age. Explain that those are 'pretty shoes', but you don't want to take your child to the emergency room with a busted ankle, or to the dentist with broken teeth. Kids can understand pain. Kids are not stupid, and if given some valid information, they will make their own solid conclusions.

Little girls do enjoy dress-ups, and this is a good time for them to play. Again, this is fantasy play, and the play-time is temporary and fun. Again, setting a precedent of what is considered play-time, versus real life is so important at a young age. Setting boundaries at a young age not only makes parenting easier as kids get older, but you are also teaching them how to manage themselves for the future.

So, next time your daughter whines about wanting the blinged out heeled sandals, tell her they are great, but you don't want her to get hurt. For now, it's just Barbie gets to wear the pointy spiky heels!