In Jain Dharma, a bal‑sādhu (child monk) also has to follow the basic rules of an adult sādhu – including walking barefoot. But when a child is not used to it, the approach should be gentle and gradual, never harsh.

You can keep in mind:

1. Guidance of Guru / Āchārya is first

- The Āchārya or Guru who gave dīkshā is the main guide. - Inform them honestly: “His feet are very soft / he is getting a lot of pain / blisters.” - They will decide: how much vihar (walking) to do, which routes, how fast, how often to rest etc.

1. Gradual increase, not sudden force

- In the beginning, keep walking distances short. - Walk more on clean, smooth, shaded paths (inside upāshray, compound, clean lanes) rather than very hot roads or full of stones/thorns. - Over time, the feet become stronger – like an exercise. This is a tapas (austerity), but it should be built slowly.

1. Care of the feet is allowed

- After vihar, you can (as per Guru’s permission): - Gently wash the feet with clean water. - If there are small cuts or blisters, inform the Guru and, where allowed, do basic clean care so that infection does not spread. - The aim is ahimsā to all jīv, including the bal‑sādhu’s own body. We do not neglect health; we also do not break vows.

1. No footwear, but more protection through planning

- Do not offer slippers/shoes; that would go against sadhu‑dharma. - Instead, offer help by: - Planning vihar at cooler times of day (morning/evening). - Avoiding very long, continuous walks at first. - Choosing routes with fewer stones, glass, thorns. - If needed, the Guru may reduce outside vihar for some time and allow more stay in one place while the feet adjust.

1. Right bhāv (inner attitude)

- Teach the bal‑sādhu gently: - Walking barefoot is part of ahimsā – seeing and avoiding tiny insects on the ground. - It is also aparigraha – not depending on comforts. - Encourage him with love and praise when he manages even a little more than yesterday, so he feels supported, not punished.

1. If pain is severe

- If the child is crying in pain, bleeding a lot, or cannot walk, this must be told immediately to the Guru / elder monks. - They will decide whether to: - Stop vihar for some days. - Change the route/time. - Take medical help, if it is serious. - Laity should not make their own rules; always act only with the Guru’s ājnā.

In short: Do not give footwear, do not be harsh, and do not hide the problem. Inform the Guru, reduce and plan walking wisely, care for the feet properly, and slowly build the child’s strength while keeping full respect for sadhu‑dharma and ahimsā.