From Bunny Ears to the Scaredy Cat - 5 Ways to Teach Kids to Tie Their Own Shoes

While it's often easier, quicker, and even moreof saying "the right one" or "the one in that hand"
skillfully performed when we do things for ouryou can say, "put the red one over the blue one."
children, it's not always best. After all, we're notDifferent colored laces can make any shoe-tying
always around to be at our children's service! Whytechnique easier.
not teach your children how to tie their own shoes(2) Bunny ears:a. Tell your child, "let's make some
as a lesson in self reliance?bunny ears with your laces!"b. Then, teach him how
Since the invention of Velcro, most children's shoesto make a tight knot that can become the top of
feature these easy closures. Still, there are benefitsthe bunny's head. Take one lace in each hand and
of teaching children how to tie their own shoes. Onmake an X. Then pull one lace through the bottom of
the physical side, it helps children work on their finethe X (like a train going through a tunnel) and pull
motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. Ontight.c. Tell your child, "Now let's give our bunny some
the social side, it helps children employ self relianceears." Loop the laces to make 2 ears.d. Tell your child,
and can lead to increased confidence in one's ownlet's make the ears nice and tight so they don't fall
abilities. Besides, it's still an important childhoodoff the bunny's head!" With the 2 "ears" make an X
milestone!shape, pass one "ear" under the X, again, just like a
Here's a few tips to help children learn how to tietrain going underneath a tunnel, and pull tight.
their shoes all by themselves:(3) Use a giant shoe cut-out: You can buy one or
(1) Different colored laces: You will likely find that it'smake one yourself. Cut out a big shoe-shape. Get
easier to help your child learn how to tie his ownyour child involved by allowing him to decorate it with
shoes if the laces are not the same colors. Insteadhis favorite colored markers or stickers.