The Barefoot Philosophy For Children
Kids should be barefoot until age 4! But why?
You have probably heard of the barefoot movement for adults. Minimal shoes, trail running, greater connection to the Earth, improved foot and ankle strength, better balance are just some of the aspects of the barefoot culture.?
Children should also go barefoot at least until age four to enhance their cognitive and physical development.?
One study found that children who wore shoes in early childhood compared to kids who went barefoot had a reduction in foot arch.?
A reduced arch potentially in childhood potentially impacts foot development and could imply long-term consequences for motor learning and health later in life.?
Age four is significant because it is the first milestone after the bones of the feet have been set.?
At six months of age, the foot is still mostly cartilage.?
At about age three, the last bone in the foot begins to develop.?
By age four, the foot's shape, muscle tone, and arch development have solidified to a significant degree.?
Within the first four years, the child's foot is highly adaptable and can take the shape required for walking on uneven terrain, hence the emphasis on being barefoot.?
Wearing shoes can limit such adaptation as the muscles don't work so hard; the arch doesn't develop fully, impacting balance, coordination, and overall holistic development.?
A child who often walks barefoot will naturally develop stronger, more flexible feet because the foot's intrinsic muscles have to work harder. This practice also helps to improve balance and posture. It's like strength training for the feet.?
Check out our full article at the following link to learn about the Barefoot Movement for kids!?