So, don’t judge. I know the studies. I am fully aware of the social backlash and contempt concept of putting a young girl in high heels AND the possible physical effects of wearing them at a very young age. I said NO. I provided other options. She didn’t budge. This wasn’t just another, “I want.” It was more than that and I caved. I respected her efforts, determination and I wanted her to know that I’ve got her back. So here’s the story.
A year ago, we passed by a terribly glitzy glittery store. I usually walk right by them and don’t even look back. Nina (four, at this time) stopped dead in her tracks and said,
“I want those shoes.”
I turned to see a pair of glittery wedges, around one inch high, with additional shiny jewels….in her size.
First reaction: “I want?”
Nina: “May I have those shoes please”(add lip quiver)
Me: “No, those aren’t really appropriate for you. ”
Nina: “But I really really want high shoes. You wear them all the time”
Me: “They’re not good for girls your age. Your can hurt your ankles, (add whatever other reasons here). You know, mommy didn’t really get to wear high heels until I could buy my own”
Nina: “How did you have your own money”
Me: “You work for your money”
Nina: “Can I do that?”
Me: “Sure, we can start a chore chart”
Nina: “OK, then I can put money in my Frozen wallet”
Me: “Yes, you will need to save a lot though ….those shoes are pretty expensive”
Seriously, they were 60 bucks. Which I thought was a bit much for shoes that looked shiny but really, a child would not be able to walk around much in.
I thought our conversation ended there and we went home. I was patting myself on the back about how a potential tantrum was avoided….Well….this was a beginning of a looong saga to her perfect shoes.
もう2年前の話になるのだけど。ある日、近所のモールで、ピッカピカのキッラキラの、デコ携帯の親玉バージョンみたいなお店の前を通った。新菜の足（当時4歳）の足がピタッと止まった。
あれ、欲しい。
彼女の指さした先にはやはりピッカピカの子供サイズのハイヒールが。
私：「欲しい？」
新菜「あの靴、買ってください」プルプル。
私 げ、暴れだす兆しありだ。「だめ、あれは新菜には早すぎるよ、色んな意味で（足首とか、子供にヒールはなんとか…理由をごにょごにょ）」
新菜「何で？ママいつもハイヒールでしょ。すごーく欲しいの」
私「まだ早いって、それにママだって、ハイヒール履くようになったのは、自分のお金で買えるようになってからよ。」
新菜「自分の、ってどうすればいいの？」
私「お仕事だね。」
新菜「新菜もやる」
私「お手伝い表でもつくるか。おうち帰ってからね。」
新菜「うん、新菜、Frozenのお財布持ってるから、そこに入れるね。」
私「いいんじゃない、でもあの靴結構お高いから大変かもね」
ちらっと見たら、60ドル、いや、あのちゃっちいコッテコテの靴、しかも絶対子供が歩けないような靴にしちゃ、お高いでしょ。まーいっか、どうにか大暴れの事態だけは避けられた～。良かった。と思いながら家に帰る。実は、私はこの会話の事を数日前まで忘れてたのだ。
