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I am a mother of five (three of which are girls) and a former preschool teacher of eight years. I've seen so many different styles of shoes on girls' feet over the past year it would make your head spin.

The most important thing to remember while shopping for spring and summer shoes is practicality. Be sure that the shoes you choose aren't only going to match one or two outfits. There are plenty of cute shoes that are versatile.

Kids will be kids! Keep this in mind when shoe shopping. At the daycare we were always sending out reminders to the parents about "appropriate footwear". Your girl is going to be running, jumping, swinging, and skipping in these shoes.

While sandals can be cool, stylish, and comfortable; they can and do pose problems. When your daughter is playing in the sandbox or a playground of rocks or even wood-chips, these materials get into the sandal causing irritation and possible injury. Finding a pair of summer shoes that goes around the heal or ankle is ideal. Something that will help prevent twisted ankles during play time.

It's always a good idea to bring an extra pair of shoes with you where ever you go. Something like a white tennis shoe that will go with almost anything. They are fairly inexpensive to buy and come in very handy. If you have somewhere you're going that requires dress up shoes that your daughter hasn't broken in yet; her feet may get tired or sore before long. Having the back up shoes will eliminate blisters, and complaints about her feet hurting.
The same goes with bringing her to a daycare or play date. She may want to wear her pretty shoes to go with an outfit, then change into a more practical pair for play time.

Don't be in too much of a rush to see your little girl grow up. While they might look too cute for words in those shoes with a higher heal, it also increases the risk of twisting an ankle and possibly damaging her spine. Look for a cute "flat" shoe, or go with a chunk heal that is shorter than 1 inch.

Water shoes are also a good purchase. They can be used in place of sandals on hot days, allowing the foot to breath. Used in the water, at beaches, or public pools they help prevent your child from foot injury or infection; as well as giving them added traction so they are less likely to slip and fall.

Have your daughter try on the shoes before you buy them if possible. Shoes that are too big can also cause irritation and blisters, as can shoes that are too small. Since your girl's feet are still growing aim for a pair that is about a half a size bigger than where her toe touches the end of the shoe. This will allow her foot the room to grow, while still giving her the proper support she needs.

Learn more about this author, Katrina Norman.
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