The High Heel Debate

When Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise’s daughter Suri was photographed in high heels, the world commented.

From the sexualisation of children to simple, harmless fun, it seems opinion was divided. Well I have a confession to make.

I have bought me 2 ½ year old a pair of Minnie Mouse heels for Christmas.

Now before everyone jumps on my back, I feel I should explain that Elizabeth spends a lot of her time trying on my husband’s shoes and my own.

When she pushes her little feet into my four to six inch heels, I can’t help but wince that she may fall and break her ankle.

So my main reason for buying the little sparkly slippers is to try and dissuade her from wearing our shoes.

I am totally against the sexualisation of children and would never dress my daughter in what I deem to be inappropriate but some things come naturally.

I have never taught my daughter to try on shoes, she has watched me do it. She watches me put on make-up and paint my nails and wants to try-in a similar way to all things that babies and children learn-by mimicry.

I don’t want to quash any creativity in my child so if she wants to dab herself with face cream or put makeup on the dog (yes she did!), I will let her.

However there is a line I will try not to cross. I would prefer to not let her leave the house in high heels-for safety reasons and for foot development.

Let’s face it, no shoe touched her precious little foot until she got her first shoes when she was 18 months old so why would I want her to walk around long term with an ill-fitted, no-width shoe?

I am realistic though and do know there will be a time she may throw a tantrum to be able to wear them out of the house. My only saving grace with this is that we live on a farm so surely she wouldn’t want mud going on them!

I played with makeup and high heels when I was young and there’s nothing wrong with me.

I am looking forward to see Elizabeth toddling round in her Minnie heels. It will be an improvement from her father’s smelly work shoes.

This article is a feature from the MUM.com Trusted Bloggers Club.

About the author

Emma Lander

Emma Lander is a farmer's wife and mummy. She writes for a living and hopes to live the dream of having loads of little chicks (both feathered and human). Worth a look if you want to feel normal (she's not) and read about the funny things that happen to her and her family.

Click here to read my full biography.