My 14 month old wont wear shoes

[Evelyn06]

My 14 month old DD wont wear shoes, slippers or any footwear.

She is walking around well now. We've taken her to Clarks twice, but had to come away shoeless because she got really distressed and screamed until we took them off.

She could walk about outside in the garden or park if she would only wear shoes. We've tried putting slippers on every couple of days, but she won't keep them on for a second.

I don't think she's doing it to be awkward - she really doesn't like them. Anyone else has this problem? Any ideas as to how to get her in shoes or is it just a matter of time?

I can only suggest trying a variety of different things - would she go for wellies or crocs maybe? Does she like wearing socks or prefer barefoot? You could always try slipper socks as a halfway house. I would have thought it was one of those things that she'll grow out of in time but I have no experience of it.

Evelyn

you may find that they are uncomfortable due to the position her foot has naturally adapted by not having shoes on. Shoes will then make her foot sit in a particular position and therefore feel strange. She may then attach this to every kind of foot ware.

It's best to get her something that will stay on due to laces (even if she tugs them) and she can get used to because thats what is it about - getting used to them!

After they are on her feet - distract her. Shout "Oh my gosh.... look" point excitedly "did you see the fairy? She just flew over there... quick grab her hand lets go find her....Ohhh, there is she again... lets rush after her! I wonder where she went... can you find her? Is she under the table? oh noo... is she... under the rug?" - wow I got a bit carried away there but you catch my drift!

Make the shoes into something magical that this fairy always comes out when she has them on - you being excited will spark her imagination and whatever you do - DONT mention the shoes to her... talk about everything apart from the shoes... if they get pulled off - put them back on and re distract her! By letting her take them off, you will be making it worse - not better in the long run.

Good Luck!

Chelsea

The Nanny Tree
Where fabulous Nannies do grow on trees!

Thanks for the ideas Almamartyr and Chelsea - your help is much appreciated :)

We tried the distraction idea at the weekend and it seems to be working! I took her to the park on Saturday and she screamed when I put her shoes on, but I spotted a dog coming into the park and took her over to it and she forgot about her shoes.

We watched the dog for a while then I put her down to walk back to the swings and she was fine and wore the shoes for about 10-15 mins. I did the same the next day and she cried again but I kept them on and distracted her again. Looks like we're getting somewhere :o