Although it might be easier to do things for a child, certain life skills, such as learning to tie his own shoes, are an important developmental skill. Many children learn how to tie a shoe between the ages of 5 and 7. This is because the level of dexterity required to tie a shoe is not usually present until then. Once ready, it can take your child several tries to master.
Step 1
Explain to your child that you are going to teach him how to tie his shoes by making bunny ears with the laces.
Step 2
Model the process first. Take one lace in each of your hands and cross them to make an X.
Step 3
Pull one of the laces through the bottom of the X and tug it tightly. This is the base knot.
Step 4
Make the “bunny ears” by looping the two laces.
Step 5
Create an X with the two looped laces, explaining that the ears have to be tight or else they will fall off the bunny’s head.
Step 6
Cross one of the “bunny ears” beneath the X and pull tightly.
Step 7
Have your child practice.
Tips and Warnings
- The Disney Family Fun website explains that patience is required to master this skill. It might take many tries before you child masters shoe tying. Sit side-by-side while teaching or even allow your child to practice tying the laces of an old shoe. On her website, Dr. Robyn Silverman recommends coloring or purchasing colored shoe laces. This can make the process easier to explain, especially if your child does not yet have the directions “right” and “left” mastered.
- Even when frustration occurs, don’t give up. Although it may be easier to purchase bungee cord or Velcro shoes, teaching a child how to tie his shoes also encourages development, independence and self-reliance. This means your child might feel more capable of handling new skills in the future. All are skills that have a positive effect as she grows into adulthood. If your child is really struggling, do not push her to learn. This can add unnecessary stress for everyone involved. Instead, try again in a few weeks.
Things You'll Need
- Shoes
- Shoe laces
