Many children show interest in “grown-up” things at a young age, especially girls who often want to experiment with adult clothing, makeup, and skincare products from stores like Sephora. Parents face a challenging decision: should they allow their kids the freedom to explore their interests, or should they set boundaries to protect them? This is a debate that will always have differing opinions among parents.
Take, for instance, Florida mom Liana DeGeorge, who recently stirred up a significant online conversation by purchasing a pair of heels for her 7-year-old daughter. DeGeorge shared her experience on Instagram, explaining that her daughter had been “begging” for a two-inch chunky heel she tried on, despite DeGeorge suggesting they wait a few more years. After seeing her daughter’s disappointment, DeGeorge decided to give in, labeling the heels as “special occasion shoes.”
In the video, her daughter can be seen happily strutting around in her new kitten heels, with DeGeorge commenting, “let me tell you she SHINED.”
While it’s common for children to express interest in such things, podiatrist Romona Brooks suggests that children should wait until they are 14-16 years old before regularly wearing heels to prevent potential issues such as back pain, ankle sprains, or bunions. Critics quickly pointed this out, arguing that DeGeorge was risking her daughter’s foot health. Some claimed it taught her daughter that crying could lead to getting what she wants, while others worried about the inappropriate attention such attire might attract. One user remarked, “I was fine until I saw her swish walk. She’s SEVEN.”
Others added humorously, “Why stop there, next time give her a glass of wine and a smoke,” reflecting the concern that allowing young children to wear such shoes could lead to a premature embrace of adult behaviors.
Conversely, many defended DeGeorge’s decision, noting that the heels were not overly tall or inappropriate for a child. “Why are people bugging out? It’s not like she’s wearing stilettos. I’ve been wearing those types of low block ‘heels’ since I was 6,” one commenter stated. Another added, “I had a pair of heels when I was little — it’s every little girl’s dream to be like their mama.” Supporters praised DeGeorge for boosting her daughter’s confidence, with one viewer stating, “I just know when she wears them she feels so confident 💕 you did good mama!!!”
Brooks mentions that if a child insists on wearing heels, there are safer options, such as low block heels with enough room for growing toes, and limiting their wear to 2-4 hours at a time. DeGeorge seems to follow these guidelines, emphasizing her belief that this moment is part of her daughter’s childhood. In an interview with Today, she expressed no regrets about the purchase but noted that she often says no to other requests, such as allowing her daughter to use TikTok.
Finding the right balance between protection and freedom remains a complex challenge for parents. While certain aspects of modern life may expose children to pressures that threaten their innocence, this situation serves as a reminder of the gray areas in parenting and the nuances of supporting children as they grow.