Do You Let Your Kids Kick Off Their Shoes in the Sand?

July 14, 2008

There are two kinds of kids at the park — those that keep their shoes on and those that slip theirs off. The fear of germs, glass shards and hypodermic needles nestled in the sand have some parents telling their children to keep their laces tied. While others allow their tots to toss their kicks off and enjoy the freedom of bare feet. What do you do?
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25 Comments

2 years 17 weeks

The only thing is with shoes that they protect the feet going to the beach, where we go to NJ for the summer the beaches can reach 100 Degree's. I am looking for something to protect their little toes plus to keep them burn free from the hot sand. Once to the water they take them off. but going back up to the hotel they would need to wear the shoes.

3 years 39 weeks

Shoeless! I grew up going barefoot almost everywhere. My life experience has shown me that children are healthier and happier when left in their bare feet. Caution is important, but you can't live your life in fear of everything.

3 years 43 weeks

I would much prefer going barefoot! It's good for the wolf, it's good for the fox; so why not join them and take off your shoes and socks?

phatE 4 years 44 weeks

At a public park?? HECK no.. I wasn't allowed to as a child either.. If in a back yard, that's different, but I just think a public playground where anyone and everyone can do whatever needs to be a tennis shoe kind of event..

Greggie 4 years 44 weeks

"Did anyone ever wear shoes in the sandbox as kids!?!"Yes. Not in the one in my backyard, but at any park of course I did. I wanted to, I hated having them off at public parks. I think "where I feel it's safe" is key. Parks generally aren't around here. The beach, I can check out the immediate area and have never found anything unsafe.

Greggie 4 years 44 weeks

"Did anyone ever wear shoes in the sandbox as kids!?!" Yes. Not in the one in my backyard, but at any park of course I did. I wanted to, I hated having them off at public parks. I think "where I feel it's safe" is key. Parks generally aren't around here. The beach, I can check out the immediate area and have never found anything unsafe.

rgrl 4 years 44 weeks

I love being barefoot outside and I want my kids to not be afraid of getting a little messy, so I let my son be barefoot in the sand and grass when I feel it's safe. My son is only 2 yrs. so I'm usually right near him.

blackjade 4 years 44 weeks

When was the last time your feet actually touched the earth?

macgirl 4 years 44 weeks

We live right on the beach and it gets cleaned by a little John dear tractor every morning for hours. I have no problems letting my kids run around it barefoot. I don't think all beaches are created equal though. As far as the park goes it really depends on which one, some are maintained daily, some aren't. I think that probably would make a big difference to most moms.

backfat 4 years 44 weeks

The beaches we go to are always in National Parks. I find them to be safer/cleaner than the public beaches that aren't protected.

Aphrosette 4 years 44 weeks

Let the kids be kids!!! Did anyone ever wear shoes in the sandbox as kids!?! Besides no one likes it when they ARE wearing shoes and the sand seems to find its way in anyways!

Twinkle 4 years 44 weeks

There's no playground by us, just a beach and of course they can take their shoes off.

ShePirate2010 4 years 44 weeks

Sure, why not.

ShePirate2010 4 years 44 weeks

Sure, why not.

Greggie 4 years 44 weeks

At a park, no. At the beach, yes. It may not be consistent, but I don't care.

lickety split 4 years 44 weeks

your doctor reminds you? lol, what a control freak. did you know thast if your child steps on a nail wearing shoes it's actually worse because of the things in the shoe that get into the wound?my kids like taking their shoes off so we do it that way.

lickety split 4 years 44 weeks

your doctor reminds you? lol, what a control freak. did you know thast if your child steps on a nail wearing shoes it's actually worse because of the things in the shoe that get into the wound? my kids like taking their shoes off so we do it that way.

jumjum15 4 years 44 weeks

Shoes off! ANd YES, you can sit in the mud puddle, nd pick up sticks, and rubber chips.Although I admit he's only allowed a mud puddle less than 24 hours old, after that point, it's mostly dog pee. We're in the city. And this is at a small playground near my house, not the muli-acre park up the street, so everything in moderation. Boy are the other kids jealous sometimes.

jumjum15 4 years 44 weeks

Shoes off! ANd YES, you can sit in the mud puddle, nd pick up sticks, and rubber chips. Although I admit he's only allowed a mud puddle less than 24 hours old, after that point, it's mostly dog pee. We're in the city. And this is at a small playground near my house, not the muli-acre park up the street, so everything in moderation. Boy are the other kids jealous sometimes.

crystalvillage06 4 years 44 weeks

Sand at a beach or someone's backyard is one thing but sand at a public park? No way would my son be barefoot at the park. I think it is common sense to not let them run around where there could be glass or much worse. I have never seen a barefoot child at the park. If you want them to experience the sand take them to the beach or buy a sandbox.

xoxomer 4 years 44 weeks

I'm not a parent..but I was a child once. Unless your child is super allergic or doesn't like the feel of sand, let him kick off the shoes. I would hope a child's pair of beach shoes would be cheap enough, it wouldn't matter if they lost them? Anyway let the kid decide. He/she is going to take them off regardless what you do..in fact this question is so weird. Maybe I'll understand when I have children.

radmama27 4 years 44 weeks

Shoes on. My son's pediatrician reminds me at every appointment that shoes should be worn at all times when outdoors.Indoors is a totally different story, thats when they are really learning to walk and things.

radmama27 4 years 44 weeks

Shoes on. My son's pediatrician reminds me at every appointment that shoes should be worn at all times when outdoors. Indoors is a totally different story, thats when they are really learning to walk and things.

alethia037 4 years 44 weeks

Shoes off! I've heard that children's feet develop better if they are barefoot... plus, I hardly ever wore shoes outside as a child.

bluepuppybites 4 years 44 weeks

I want my girl to keep her shoes on so she doesn't lose them also there are many harmful things outside at the park. But at home I let her run around barefoot and play in her sandbox without shoes.

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