Barefoot child at Wal-Mart

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Originally Posted by cassiesmom

No. Letting a child go barefoot is a far cry from neglect. But letting a child go barefoot in a potentially hazardous environment ... not smart, as far as I'm concerned. I'm a nurse and I saw the child's dirty feet as a risky move on the part of the parent. I'm not a parent and I totally get that some of you disagree with me.

Now, I'm sorry I brought it up and let's move on to another topic! Who's got plans for the weekend?

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Sorry, I just can't seem to move on.

I never let my kids go barefoot in a dangerous or nasty place.

I'm in shock that any parent would not be bothered by this. Wal-Mart is a breeding ground for filth.:(

I don't think every child should wear shoes but their feet should not touch the ground. Ewwwwwww!!!

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Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

I'm in shock that any parent would not be bothered by this. Wal-Mart is a breeding ground for filth.:(

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So is the rest of this planet. Your point would be? I'd rather have them barefoot in WalMart than running barefoot on a lawn treated with chemicals.

Don't sweat the small stuff. a child sighted ONCE barefoot is not worth getting upset about.

Again, all parents, no matter how saintly or perfect they are, have their moments. Stuff happens.

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

So is the rest of this planet. Your point would be? I'd rather have them barefoot in WalMart than running barefoot on a lawn treated with chemicals.

Don't sweat the small stuff. a child sighted ONCE barefoot is not worth getting upset about.

Again, all parents, no matter how saintly or perfect they are, have their moments. Stuff happens.

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I've heard some things over the years that we are becoming too clean as a society. Being too careful to avoid germs. Studies have proven that our immune systems aren't as strong for this reason and other reasons.
I like to look at all sides in a discussion and think about what people are saying.
I have now thought about it and I think there are just different schools of thought on children being barefoot in some situations.

Giving the benefit of the doubt, I realize that it might possibly not be such a bad thing.:confused:

Having said that....I still can't imagine myself personally going barefoot at WalMart.:)

ETA: I would hate to see my child walking barefoot on a chemically treated lawn as well.:(

I totally agree the fifth on that floor and in the parking lot :eek:
And then there is the issue of broken glass, engine oil, burning black top, rusty nails, small rocks or pebbles, feet being cut and infection setting in.
Maybe the parents were tired, over worked, maybe the kids did take their shoes off, however as a parent it is our job no matter how tired, over worked or ill we are to ALWAYS do the best for our children, to always keep them out of harm's way.
That is how I saw my role as a mom. Walking barefoot in a store or in a parking lot is not safe.
Now Elyse my plans for this weekend are to work in my yard and relax.
How about you?
Maybe get together with some friends.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cassiesmom

No. Letting a child go barefoot is a far cry from neglect. But letting a child go barefoot in a potentially hazardous environment ... not smart, as far as I'm concerned. I'm a nurse and I saw the child's dirty feet as a risky move on the part of the parent. I'm not a parent and I totally get that some of you disagree with me.

Now, I'm sorry I brought it up and let's move on to another topic! Who's got plans for the weekend?

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Originally Posted by Marigold2

I totally agree the fifth on that floor and in the parking lot :eek:
And then there is the issue of broken glass, engine oil, burning black top, rusty nails, small rocks or pebbles, feet being cut and infection setting in.
Maybe the parents were tired, over worked, maybe the kids did take their shoes off, however as a parent it is our job no matter how tired, over worked or ill we are to ALWAYS do the best for our children, to always keep them out of harm's way.
That is how I saw my role as a mom. Walking barefoot in a store or in a parking lot is not safe.
Now Elyse my plans for this weekend are to work in my yard and relax.
How about you?
Maybe get together with some friends.

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Congratulations to you all.

I wish I could be as perfect a parent as you are, alas, I have fallen short. :rolleyes:

Geez don't be so hard on yourself.

:rolleyes:

Maybe a few of you ladies could get together and write a book on how to be a perfect parent?

I'm deeply disturbed by the fact that my wife and I have no earthly idea how to raise children. We need your wisdom and guidance before our children get injured by our blatant incompetence.

:rolleyes:

Well that is what makes the world so interesting. Different views, opinions, thoughts, hopes, dreams, talents....
I didn't say I was perfect I said I did not think it was a good idea to let a child go barefoot in a parking lot.
Would you really allow your child to do that?
What about sailing around the world when they are 14?
Backpacking through Europe when they are 17?
Joining the military at 17?
Driving cross country at 17 for spring break with 5 other kids?
Going to an island or FL for spring break?
Being at the mall alone at 12 or 14 late at night?
Riding in a car with a boy you only met once at 15?
I have been a mom for 32 years and the choices you have to make are endless and get more frightening as they get older.
I don't know how old your kids are but it is a tough job and I wish you luck cause we all need it.

By the time they are walking about they have stopped putting their toes into their mouths.

I was laughing about an article I saw about kids, germs and illness

My parents and sibs used to take the kids out camping when they were about two-three months old.

Park them under a tree in a playpen and rock on.

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I laugh when I see parents freak out as they bubble wrap the spawn to take them outdoors.

The same parents will hold a measles/mumps party, but will try and isolate them from the regular shiat that we all face in everyday living.


Remember what happened to the indiges in North America when the 'sick' Euros came to town and handed out those filthy blankets?;):eek::o:D

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Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

Wal-Mart is a breeding ground for filth.:

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http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

:D

I heart you!:)

While "building up an immune" system is great in theory, consider child mortality rates then and now. "Stuff happens" indeed but why not hedge your bets where you can. Indeed a child or any human for that matter faces all sorts of threats and dangers. Might as well eliminate as many as you can where you have control.

Yep. Bubblewrap them and then be surprised when the world reaches out and slaps them with reality.

Sorry, I'm a firm believer in letting them learn from their actions.

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

Yep. Bubblewrap them and then be surprised when the world reaches out and slaps them with reality.

Sorry, I'm a firm believer in letting them learn from their actions.

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Oh, just because you were there to explain to your children how to behave?;)

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

:rolleyes:

Maybe a few of you ladies could get together and write a book on how to be a perfect parent?

I'm deeply disturbed by the fact that my wife and I have no earthly idea how to raise children. We need your wisdom and guidance before our children get injured by our blatant incompetence.

:rolleyes:

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Excuse what I am about to say, but this is a ridiculous statement (2 actually!) if I ever heard one. I didn't see one person here, claim to be a perfect parent, and no one is saying that you and your wife don't know how to raise children. This whole issue has been blown totally out of proportion. Most just feel that letting children go barefoot in a less than even somewhat clean environment, is potentially asking for trouble. That's their opinion, and no one is trying to force their views down anyone else's throat. I think that we share the opinion, that it isn't worth the risk of injury or infection, when even just a simple pair of flip-flops or crocs, could reduce it to practically nothing. But we are all free to do as we see fit, and we should - and will - carry on as such.

And I will continue parenting as I see fit. The problem with that is one of these days, some holier than thou busybody can call CPS because I'm doing XYZ that they don't agree with, and open a case.

Reading this thread I see nothing but an attitude of I don't know what the hell I'm doing as a parent.

Sorry, I call 'em like I see 'em.

Don't like it? Oh well.

I guess common sense would play a big part in parenting, some have it & some don't & some are in the process of learning it. ;)

And some have decided that they want nothing to do with it..................

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

And some have decided that they want nothing to do with it..................

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Well in that case pay the consequences. Let the village try to help raise the children.

The village can get the hell out of my life, thank you.

So the school system, churches, human services don't count? They are part of the village. Your tax dollars at work.

The church is supported by tax dollars? Damn, didn't know that.

When the village becomes a bunch of nattering busybodies, they can , quite frankly, kiss my posterior and exit, stage left.

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

Excuse what I am about to say, but this is a ridiculous statement (2 actually!) if I ever heard one. I didn't see one person here, claim to be a perfect parent, and no one is saying that you and your wife don't know how to raise children. This whole issue has been blown totally out of proportion. Most just feel that letting children go barefoot in a less than even somewhat clean environment, is potentially asking for trouble. That's their opinion, and no one is trying to force their views down anyone else's throat. I think that we share the opinion, that it isn't worth the risk of injury or infection, when even just a simple pair of flip-flops or crocs, could reduce it to practically nothing. But we are all free to do as we see fit, and we should - and will - carry on as such.

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Seems LH is taking this subject a bit too personally & he feels a need
to defend his choices as a parent. That's his problem, not anyone elses.
Maybe his town is a "Mayberry, USA" with old dirt roads that lead to the
favorite fishing hole at the end of the lane. It certainly isn't a modern
"big city" with mega stores & parking lots that I'm thinking of.

I hope no one is eating breakfast but, have you ever seen somebody
blow their nose outside without benefit of kleenex? chew & spit tobacco
out on the ground? Cough & hack and proceed to let fly with what ever
they bring up from their lungs? Geeze.:eek:

Let my small child walk barefoot through all that & more? No thanks.

and for those who think putting shoes on a child who doesn't want to wear
them is just too much of a hassle, just wait a few years, things can get a
whole lot tougher for parents to make the right decisons & carry them out
when the child gets a little older. Just saying.:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

I didn't see one person here, claim to be a perfect parent, and no one is saying that you and your wife don't know how to raise children.
Most just feel that letting children go barefoot in a less than even somewhat clean environment, is potentially asking for trouble. That's their opinion, and no one is trying to force their views down anyone else's throat.

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LH - I think you missed this part...too bad, since it has validity.
AMEN! and I'm done. Have a wonderful day!

I do know churches are non profit & aren't part of the taxing system. But they are part of the system. They help cloth, feed, take care of the sick & needy.

LH, this is not an attack on you. What about opinions & learning? When you posted the pictures of your children in the garden they looked healthy, & happy. I am not attacking your personal parenting. Everyone has to deal with their situation in their own way. Gotta go to work & with be with all kinds of families today. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

Excuse what I am about to say, but this is a ridiculous statement (2 actually!) if I ever heard one. I didn't see one person here, claim to be a perfect parent, and no one is saying that you and your wife don't know how to raise children. This whole issue has been blown totally out of proportion. Most just feel that letting children go barefoot in a less than even somewhat clean environment, is potentially asking for trouble. That's their opinion, and no one is trying to force their views down anyone else's throat. I think that we share the opinion, that it isn't worth the risk of injury or infection, when even just a simple pair of flip-flops or crocs, could reduce it to practically nothing. But we are all free to do as we see fit, and we should - and will - carry on as such.

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Took the words right out of my mouth , couldn't have said it any better.

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

Yep. Bubblewrap them and then be surprised when the world reaches out and slaps them with reality.

Sorry, I'm a firm believer in letting them learn from their actions.

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Even if it means letting them step on a discarded used syringe? That's a hard lesson for an innocent child to learn through no fault of his own....:confused:

I'm out.

Biddies and nannies, have at it, just leave parents alone unless there's a serious problem.

I don't take parenting advice from relatives, I'm damned sure not going to take it from a bunch of biddies on a forum.

By the way, in all the serious cases of child neglect you read about in the news, and wonder where CPS/DSS et al were?

Chasing down complaints from biddies who saw a child barefoot at wal-mart. They have to investigate all reports.

Okay, calm down folks. I do know that, even as a child, when I was barefoot, I paid more attention to where I was putting my feet. Don't you all? This was one incident, and frankly, the person who was lax was the "greeter" or the store staff, as I am sure there's a policy against people entering barefoot.

Yes, when a child is barefoot, he or she might step on something sharp and cut him or herself. I know I did, a sharp rock in a brook once "got" me. Did I live to grow up anyway? Yup, or none of you would have this forum to play in. And I don;t know about your Wal-Mart, but I have never, ever seen a discarded needle on the floor or mine. Or even in the parking lot. You don't know the circumstances, you really don't. If this child was permitted to walk barefoot through a drug-infested, crime-filled, unclean streets with broken glass and metal, that would be one thing. A store? Filthy, yes, but as dangerous? Not hardly.

And Lizbud, Lady's Human lives in a rural area, yes. They do, however, have malls and giant parking lots not too far away in town - they are still in America after all.

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

I'm out.

Biddies and nannies, have at it, just leave parents alone unless there's a serious problem.

I don't take parenting advice from relatives, I'm damned sure not going to take it from a bunch of biddies on a forum.

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Quote:

The trouble with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are unemployed. ~Author Unknown

The trouble with being a parent is that everyone in society knows how to do it better than you do, regardless of their experience.

Again, your personal experience applies not a whit to my children. They aren't your children, they don't live in your town, and don't go to your schools.

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Originally Posted by Karen

Yes, when a child is barefoot, he or she might step on something sharp and cut him or herself. I know I did, a sharp rock in a brook once "got" me. Did I live to grow up anyway?

And Lizbud, Lady's Human lives in a rural area, yes. They do, however, have malls and giant parking lots not too far away in town - they are still in America after all.

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I was running in a city park with sandals on & stepped on broken glass
which cut right through the sole of my sandal. It cut my foot badly & I didn't
even feel it. Only noticed a wetness & squishy feeling on my foot, untill I saw
the blood pouring out. You can be hurt even when you are doing whats
considered safe.

I memtioned Mayberry USA (fiction) as the only place I considered safe to go barefoot down a road. LH chose to make this subject all about him & his parenting style, nobody else did that Karen.

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

I'm out.

Biddies and nannies, have at it, just leave parents alone unless there's a serious problem.

I don't take parenting advice from relatives, I'm damned sure not going to take it from a bunch of biddies on a forum.

By the way, in all the serious cases of child neglect you read about in the news, and wonder where CPS/DSS et al were?

Chasing down complaints from biddies who saw a child barefoot at wal-mart. They have to investigate all reports.

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(banging head on desk) Okay, okay. I wasn't trying to offer parenting advice. It was just an observation. And LH, I am definitely not a biddy! Can we just agree to disagree? I'm sorry I incited a controversy. Once again I apologize for having brought it up at all.

Thank you,
Elyse

How did we get to this point on this discussion? I am flabbergasted. I gave my opinion on something. That's all. I would never accuse anyone of being a bad parent unless I observed bad parenting firsthand.

LH, it's your choice to let your children do whatever you want your children to do. The same goes for me and everyone else. If I let my child eat candy it doesn't necessarily make me a bad parent. If I let my child drink soda it doesn't necessarily make me a bad parent, etc. etc.

We are merely having a discussion here. I believe anyone is entitled to not like to be barefooted and not want their children to be barefooted. Either choice doesn't necessarily make us a bad parent.

No one was calling anyone or accusing anyone of being a bad parent.

For the record....I am neither a biddy or a nanny either!! For heaven's sake. I don't think I've seen anything like this in all my years on this board. An innocent observation of strangers has turned into a name calling, accusatory melee. What next??

Nasty things do happen at Wal Mart

We were waiting outside for some friends that were in Wal Mart shopping. We saw a guy take off his shoes & then his socks while sitting on a lawn mower display & trim his toe nails. :eek:

I don't see such a big deal regarding a child going barefoot, even in walmart. I haven't seen much dangerous materials at my big box stores.

Is it clean? I don't think so. Is it overly safe? Probably not. But it just doesn't rank up there in the top 10 sins of child rearing, in my book.

It is kind of funny, the discussion on sanitary issues...sure the childs foot gets dirty. Just like the shoe that is then worn into the house.

Like LH...I feel pretty comfortable with my parenting decisions. For people to fall out over this seems so minor in my book.

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Originally Posted by Asiel

I can't believe any parent would let a child go barefoot in stores and parking lots. Some people don't deserve kids period.

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Originally Posted by lizbud

I wouldn't like to see a little kid going barefoot in a store or in a
store parking lot. Not a good idea at all, for all the reasons you've
already mentioned. As a parent it's our job to make decisions for our
kids. Barefoot at home is one thing, outside the safety of home, is
quite another.

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Originally Posted by moosmom

I swear I don't know where parent's minds are these days. Unbelievable!!!

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Originally Posted by lizbud

No one claimed any such thing. I believe you're just being argumentative.
It isn't allways easy to be the parent & make informed decisions for your
children, but hey, it is our JOB & our responsibilty.

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

And yes - I successfully raised 2 children to adulthood, in spite of all the household perils, and those away from the home too. Just part of responsible parenting, I guess.

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Originally Posted by lizbud

Don't be sorry, you were right all along.:) This isn't just an appearances
type of thing, it is a safety issue. If other parents don't see that, then so
be it. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by happylabs

I do not think there is any excuse for this type of neglect. If there was a reason she could not wear shoes they should have made her ride in a cart. I would never ever have let either of my kids go barefoot in public, even at the beach we made them wear sandals until we got our towels and blankets set up.

Parents are just letting their kids run things these days. Bad parenting...

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Nah, don't see how this thread got confrontational at all.......

By the way, Liz, even out here in the sticks we gots wal marts and them big grocery stores an Everything!

We even gots a bunch a car dealerships an a Chuck-e-Cheeze!

:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

So everyone else's kids were immaculately clothed and groomed at all times outside the home ?

Never one thing amiss?

Give yourselves a group medal and a pat one the back, because you're the only parents in history to accomplish that.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

No. just amazed that people can be so judgmental about the parenting abilities of generations based on a child sighted in passing barefoot in a checkout line.

Big deal, the kid was barefoot.

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

So neglect is now letting a kid go barefoot?

Priceless.

What's sending them to bed without dinner? Reckless endangerment?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

Congratulations to you all.

I wish I could be as perfect a parent as you are, alas, I have fallen short. :rolleyes:

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

:rolleyes:

Maybe a few of you ladies could get together and write a book on how to be a perfect parent?

I'm deeply disturbed by the fact that my wife and I have no earthly idea how to raise children. We need your wisdom and guidance before our children get injured by our blatant incompetence.

:rolleyes:

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

Yep. Bubblewrap them and then be surprised when the world reaches out and slaps them with reality.

Sorry, I'm a firm believer in letting them learn from their actions.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

And I will continue parenting as I see fit. The problem with that is one of these days, some holier than thou busybody can call CPS because I'm doing XYZ that they don't agree with, and open a case.

Reading this thread I see nothing but an attitude of I don't know what the hell I'm doing as a parent.

Sorry, I call 'em like I see 'em.

Don't like it? Oh well.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

The village can get the hell out of my life, thank you.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

The church is supported by tax dollars? Damn, didn't know that.

When the village becomes a bunch of nattering busybodies, they can , quite frankly, kiss my posterior and exit, stage left.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

I'm out.

Biddies and nannies, have at it, just leave parents alone unless there's a serious problem.

I don't take parenting advice from relatives, I'm damned sure not going to take it from a bunch of biddies on a forum.

By the way, in all the serious cases of child neglect you read about in the news, and wonder where CPS/DSS et al were?

Chasing down complaints from biddies who saw a child barefoot at wal-mart. They have to investigate all reports.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

The trouble with being a parent is that everyone in society knows how to do it better than you do, regardless of their experience.

Again, your personal experience applies not a whit to my children. They aren't your children, they don't live in your town, and don't go to your schools.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lady's Human

Nah, don't see how this thread got confrontational at all.......

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Gee - I don't either. :eek: :rolleyes:

Point being, pom, that those were posted AFTER parents who let their children go barefoot were accused of neglect and other things by more than one poster.

Had nothing to do with the OP, it had to do with the exceedingly over the top responses by the saints and paragons of parenting in the commentariat.

Quoted by pomtzu


Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
So everyone else's kids were immaculately clothed and groomed at all times outside the home ?

Never one thing amiss?

Give yourselves a group medal and a pat one the back, because you're the only parents in history to accomplish that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
No. just amazed that people can be so judgmental about the parenting abilities of generations based on a child sighted in passing barefoot in a checkout line.

Big deal, the kid was barefoot.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
So neglect is now letting a kid go barefoot?

Priceless.

What's sending them to bed without dinner? Reckless endangerment?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
Congratulations to you all.

I wish I could be as perfect a parent as you are, alas, I have fallen short.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human


Maybe a few of you ladies could get together and write a book on how to be a perfect parent?

I'm deeply disturbed by the fact that my wife and I have no earthly idea how to raise children. We need your wisdom and guidance before our children get injured by our blatant incompetence.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
Yep. Bubblewrap them and then be surprised when the world reaches out and slaps them with reality.

Sorry, I'm a firm believer in letting them learn from their actions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
And I will continue parenting as I see fit. The problem with that is one of these days, some holier than thou busybody can call CPS because I'm doing XYZ that they don't agree with, and open a case.

Reading this thread I see nothing but an attitude of I don't know what the hell I'm doing as a parent.

Sorry, I call 'em like I see 'em.

Don't like it? Oh well.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
The village can get the hell out of my life, thank you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
The church is supported by tax dollars? Damn, didn't know that.

When the village becomes a bunch of nattering busybodies, they can , quite frankly, kiss my posterior and exit, stage left.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
I'm out.

Biddies and nannies, have at it, just leave parents alone unless there's a serious problem.

I don't take parenting advice from relatives, I'm damned sure not going to take it from a bunch of biddies on a forum.

By the way, in all the serious cases of child neglect you read about in the news, and wonder where CPS/DSS et al were?

Chasing down complaints from biddies who saw a child barefoot at wal-mart. They have to investigate all reports.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
The trouble with being a parent is that everyone in society knows how to do it better than you do, regardless of their experience.

Again, your personal experience applies not a whit to my children. They aren't your children, they don't live in your town, and don't go to your schools.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
Nah, don't see how this thread got confrontational at all.......


Gee - I don't either.
__________________

Pom,
We might as well continue to be the grownups here and just let this be. LH,
as usual, wants to have the last word & I say let him.

He might just hold his breath till he turns blue or something.:D I can't have that on my concience. :)