From Challenge to Opportunity
For many children, wearing AFO braces can feel like a spotlight on what makes them “different.” Friends notice. Questions get asked. Sometimes the comments are innocent, but they still leave a mark. Yet with the right perspective, braces don’t have to be a burden—they can become a source of strength and even pride.
The Psychology of What We Wear
Research shows that clothing affects how we feel about ourselves. Psychologists call this enclothed cognition—the idea that what we wear influences our confidence and behavior. For kids, that effect is even stronger. When they wear something that feels cool and expressive, it can reshape the way they experience their day.
Our Family’s Journey
Because our son started wearing AFOs at a very young age, we quickly learned that the questions never stop after the first conversation. As he grew older, his ability to understand changed—and so did the reactions of the kids around him. Friends in preschool began to notice, to ask, and sometimes to make comments that weren’t meant to hurt but still affected him deeply.
With the guidance of a child psychologist, we were encouraged to use simple comparisons to help him—and others—understand. One of the most helpful was comparing braces to glasses: just as glasses help a child see better, braces help strengthen legs and make walking easier. This explanation not only made sense to him, it also gave us a way to frame the braces in a positive light to his peers.
The Questions Keep Coming
We also realized that “Why am I different?” isn’t a question a child asks only once. It comes up again and again, in new forms, at different stages. Each time, it deserves space, honesty, and empathy. Sometimes the answer is about reassurance, other times about exploring fears or frustrations.
The Power of Choice
While braces weren’t optional—he had to wear them—we discovered that socks could offer a form of control.
We learned that colorful, empowering socks for kids with orthotics created positive energy around the daily routine Choosing which design to wear each morning gave him ownership in a space where choice was otherwise limited. Bright, colorful patterns turned the routine into something fun, something he could look forward to. Instead of dreading his braces, he was excited to show off his latest “super socks.”
Confidence as a Ripple Effect
When a child feels proud of what makes them unique, the ripple effect is powerful. They stand taller, smile more, and connect more easily with friends. What was once a challenge becomes a superpower—the very thing that sets them apart is what makes them shine.
The Takeaway
Braces may be medical, but confidence is emotional. With the right tools—whether it’s a metaphor, a supportive conversation, or even just a pair of socks—children can learn to see themselves not as different, but as strong.
Helping children build confidence with AFOs is about more than braces—it’s about pride. At Lairos, we believe every child deserves that feeling: to step into the world not just with braces, but with pride.
