Sometimes as parents, we find it incredibly frustrating when our children take their shoes and socks off, especially when we are out at the local park.
At Inspired, we encourage children to explore barefoot play, why?
The foot is the foundation of our body. It is a complex structure of 26 bones and 35 joints, with ligaments and muscles crisscrossing to support and hold it together.
The benefits of going barefoot:
- Barefoot for Physical Development: As your child learns to walk in bare feet, their brain also learns the normal pattern of movement. How the muscles shorten and lengthen, how the joints adjust and move. All these movements work to strengthen the foot muscles and ligaments, while ensuring the complete function and development of the feet and body. Uninhibited by shoes, they continue to develop the complete range of movement in the foot and ankle joints. Strong feet and legs will aid their stability (preventing falls) and will further support their hips and back, improving their posture and body growth.
- Barefoot for Emotional Development: As your child’s feet feel, move and balance on the surface they are exploring, the brain registers this tactile and sensory input. Being aware of their environment, the ground and their spatial awareness allows your child to move freely throughout it. Stimulating and building healthy brains working at optimal levels.
- Going barefoot and the Reggio Emilia approach: The Reggio Emilia Approach is an early childhood education approach and one that Inspired Early Learning subscribes to. It is based on valuing your child as a strong, capable, and resilient person, rich with wonder and knowledge. This philosophy emphasises hands-on discovery learning that allows your child to use all their senses to learn.
We believe playing in bare feet enriches your child’s opportunity to immerse themselves in activities as they connect more closely with the environment.
As the weather warms up, and restrictions are lifted, kick off your shoes and enjoy barefoot play with your family.
