If your daughter is determined to wear heels, here are some tips and tricks to protect her feet and give you peace of mind. Shopping for Your Daughter’s First Heels – Tips Changes in gait and balance are also side effects of wearing high heels. High heels affect not only the feet but also the back, hips, knees, and muscles. The higher the heels, the higher the health risks. Due to marketing and fashion trends, females associate heels with feeling sexy and beautiful. Wearing heels may also strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and ankle joints.Ī cosmetic benefit of wearing high heels is that heels elongate the legs, making a female look taller and leaner. Health benefits of wearing heels 2.5 – 4 inches include muscle building in calves and legs, posture improvement, and reduced risk of arthritis. Low heels: Heels 2 inches and below - kitten/dance/traditional.Mid heels: Heels 2 – 3 inches - pumps/wedges/booties.High heels: Heel above 3 inches - stilettos/platforms.Heels come in a variety of heights, shapes, and styles. Young girls are under an intense amount of pressure from social media and advertising to look more mature and to achieve a certain “look.” Heels can add to this heavy, impossible standard of beauty. Heel footwear marketed to girls sends a message that looking pretty or sexy is more important than comfort and movement. By allowing your child to start wearing heels at a young age, you are limiting their ability to actively participate in childhood fun. May Place Pressure on Girls To Grow Up Too FastĬhildhood is for having fun, running, playing, jumping, and tag! Heels inhibit movement and freedom. Wearing heels for a prolonged time can result in chronic pain, inflammation, and increased cancer risk. May Physically Harm Growing ChildrenĪPMA age recommendations come as there is a growing number of health-related concerns, including back pain, ankle/foot sprains, fractures, foot deformities, and shin splints.Īdditional injuries can occur due to falling, tripping, and fatigue. Opting for shorter block heels instead of sky-high, unstable stilettos distributes force and weight more equally throughout the foot, reducing the risk of pain and inflammation. If girls insist on wearing heels, the APMA encourages parents to choose the lowest heel possible and to look for styles with a rounded or square toe box to minimize damage to toes and reduce the potential of blistering. It is recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association to have your child wait as long as possible to wear heels except for special occasions.ĪPMA recommends children be 13 – 16 years old before they start wearing heels for health reasons. Age of ChildĪdolescent bones are still forming. When considering this decision, focus on the type of heel, the length of time your child will be wearing the heels, and the pressures they may cause. When Can Girls Wear Heels? – ConsiderationsĪge is not the only factor to take into consideration when deciding when your child should wear heels. Let’s dig deeper to support you in making the best decision for your child. Seemingly small decisions, such as whether or not to allow your little girl to wear heels, can have a greater impact on your child’s health and wellness than previously thought. Also, muscles in the feet and legs are more fully developed and able to withstand greater stress.”Īs parents, you strive to help your daughter find happiness, health, and wellness in life. Ramona Brooks reminds parents that by ages 13 – 16 the “growth plates finally close and the feet stop growing. A hot topic of discussion dividing parents around the world is when girls should be allowed to wear heels.Īt what age should girls be allowed to wear heels? The APMA suggests waiting until the age of 13 – 16 before trying heels. Social media and fashion trends advertise mature content and clothing to children, encouraging children to mature earlier. Navigating what is best for your child while maintaining balance in their lives and yours is no easy feat. Parenting is a challenging and rewarding journey.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |