ktw@whuxi.UUCP (WOLMAN) (12/11/84)
I am not sure that there can or should be a prima facie case made against Velcro'd shoes as something to be avoided. With some children, they can be quite valuable. If a kid has a low frustration level and/or motor coordination problems, I see very little gain in the endless repetition of a task that will only increase that sense of frustration, even if the kid succeeds on the umpteenth try. Indeed, the ability to dress oneself may contribute to a lessening of the frustration; and the confidence and self-mastery symbolized in being able to get dressed without aid may carry over into activities far more important than tying a pair of shoes. Besides, when the child is ready, he or she may learn to tie the "classic" shoe. These things have a strange way of working themselves out if parents don't make themselves and their kids "schedule demons" in the process. By the way: I gather the slide rule has gone the way of the abacus (if not farther!) among engineers. Is anyone less of an engineer for trusting his/her handy Hewlett-Packard instead of a bamboo Keuffel & Esser? Ken Wolman whuxi!ktw