No shoes no problem
August 24, 2017
This isn’t really a social difference but it is something that effects us every time we go out. We understand that Lucy is
just a normal baby... in America. Here in Japan, Lucy is a superstar, or at least
you would think so. Every time we go out people stare at her. People comment on
her skin being so white, her big blue eyes and her lack of hair. For the most part
people are pretty sweet and mean well. Normally, people say she looks like a
doll and want to touch her or take pictures with her. Sometimes it’s a blast
and hilarious when you catch someone seeing her for the first time. Just this
past week a woman walked into the banana box at the grocery store because she was distracted by her. Honestly, some days I just want to be left alone and do everyday things
like a normal person.
Babies don’t usually wear shoes in Japan. I am not kidding! They do not have baby shoes at our local baby store. I honestly have never seen
a child that doesn’t walk with shoes on. This also applies in the winter
months. I have looked up why and also asked friends about the reasoning behind
it. There are a few different opinions. The practical reason is that there really isn’t a need for shoes. I cannot tell you how many people asked me if she could walk when they seen her with shoes on as a newborn. There is also a belief that our feet control our body temperature and need to be
exposed to do so. Therefore, they should not be covered or your not allowing the infant to warm or cool themselves.
This one was hard for me at first and still is. I was honestly shocked
when people offered or asked to hold Lucy. Generally, this happens when I don’t have
extra hands. This has happened at the bank, post office, grocery checkout line and restaurants.
Normally it was when I had to pay and my hands were full with Lucy. If you remember form my last blog I explained that most people don’t use strollers and there are no infant
carrier car seats to carry around. Because of this there are many situations where you simply don't have your hands free. Also, the people that offer to hold her are employed by the business
I was in at the time. This is pretty weird for me and way out of my
comfort zone. But it can be very helpful at times.
I want to end this blog by saying that this is all my personal opinion and what
I have lived and observed. It doesn’t matter where you are or what culture you
are in, there are going to be different opinions on how things should be
done. However, many Japanese like order and following guidelines.
This plays a big role in child rearing and the expectations that people have of
new moms and dads.
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