From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 027 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Essay
Summary: The essay reflects on the importance of children wearing shoes, emphasizing health and hygiene. It explores common childhood behaviors and parental responsibilities.
A Lady Once Said
(Original Title: 不知誰在那裡讀過了一位女士講過這一句話)
A lady once remarked, ‘A parent’s paramount concern should be the footwear of their children.’ This statement struck me. Every child, when they begin to walk, dislikes wearing shoes. They often take them off and proceed to play, oblivious to the dirt and unhygienic conditions, which can lead to colds and illness. I often remind my husband to ensure that our children wear shoes to protect them from harm. After some deliberation, I realized that removing shoes, while in sandboxes and playgrounds, keeps the children’s feet healthy. Yet, we should continue to care for this aspect to avoid any illnesses related to walking barefoot. Parents’ vigilance in children’s footwear can help reduce potential health issues.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent