As parents, we understand that raising children comes with constant challenges. Even the most well-behaved kids can create chaos at times. Our reactions to their behavior, whether through words, body language, or momentary decisions, can greatly influence their mood, behavior, our relationship with them, and even ⁠our own health⁠.

In order to raise resilient kids, parents continuously learn and refine their behavioral strategies.

My ⁠wife⁠, a psychologist trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and a certified trainer of Child Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE), is naturally skilled at understanding, applying, and teaching these strategies. As an occupational therapist who loves to experiment and improve, I am constantly seeking out new approaches to managing our children's behaviors through research, books, and colleagues. Together, we make a great team and can anticipate behavioral issues before they arise.

In this series on behavior, I will share the most effective strategies that we've used to manage our children's behavior. While the list of potential strategies is endless, we've compiled those with the best return on investment. These strategies can help you foster positive behavior in your own children and improve your relationship with them.

When it comes to healthy footwear, minimalist shoes have emerged as a distinctive choice, challenging the conventional norms that have shaped the design of shoes for decades. Often referred to as barefoot shoes or zero-drop shoes, these alternatives discard the elevated heel and narrow toe boxes commonly found in traditional footwear. Instead, minimalist shoes aim to mimic the sensation of walking barefoot, emphasizing a more natural connection between the foot and the ground. This paradigm shift in design, accompanied by a wider toe box for natural splaying, has garnered attention for its potential rehabilitative benefits and its alignment with the principles of natural movement. The benefits of minimalist shoes include improved sensory feedback and proprioception, better foot strength, reduced risk of falls and ankle sprains, improved posture, a more natural gait, and even reduced pain.

I’ve long been an advocate of minimalist shoes for myself, my patients, and now my kids. My advocacy stems from both personal experience and a commitment to a more holistic approach to health. This guide will delve into the scientific underpinnings of the rehabilitative advantages of minimalist footwear, offering practical insights into transitioning seamlessly. Additionally, I'll share a curated selection of my preferred barefoot shoes tailored for diverse occasions—ranging from everyday wear to formal events and even to sandals