let’s face it, when it comes to teaching a child to tie his shoes, it seems like a big deal. Sometimes, you feel like trying to teach a toddler to solve a Rubik’s cube. It’s frustrating. It’s slow. And let’s face it, sometimes, it takes forever.
The good news, though, is that shoe-tying can be fun! Indeed, research indicates that your child can get it right in time, with patience, and with the correct method. It’s also something that every kid has to do (think the first time they get a bike or how to say please without a cue).
In this article, we’ll dive into exactly how to tie your child’s shoes so that you can all have as much fun as possible. Spoiler: it’s not screaming, “I told you 100 times!”. (But we’ve all been there.) Let’s dive into loops, bunny ears, and knots, and let this learning experience go well for you and your baby.
Why Teaching You How to Tie Your Shoes Is A Big Deal.
But first things first: why do we need this talent? To begin with, kids start their lives by learning to tie their shoes. It involves eye coordination, fine motor coordination, attention to task, and all other things that help them become more confident in their increasingly independent selves.
The age of child development, according to child developmental scientists, when a child should learn how to tie their shoes is between 5 and 7. However, not every child is the same; the exact moment will depend on their skills and backgrounds.
Indeed, it has been found that it takes children from a couple of days to a couple of weeks before they can get the hang of it, depending on the difficulty of the method you use and the frequency with which they practice (American Academy of Pediatrics). So, yeah, you might feel like a total loser at the start, but it’s okay; it’s all good.
The Laugher: When to Take Action at the Right Time.
And the moment before you teach your kid to tie their shoes is time. The most suitable moment to teach it is when your child can think clearly and with their two hands. That’s that you wait until they’re not too fatigued or busy. If your child constantly travels (because really, when do they not?) ), do one fast session when they’ve eaten or napped. Keep the sessions short and sweet; 10 to 15 minutes are more than enough to get you started without burning both of you out.
Simple Instructions: How To Get Your Child to Tie His Shoes – Step by Step.
But, okay, enough talking. Learn how to tie your child’s shoes, which can be broken down into several simple steps. You have some other popular methods but we’ll use the “Bunny Ears” one since it’s probably one of the easiest methods for a beginner.
Step 1: Add the Shoe and Laces.
Get started by showing your child their shoes and the laces. Get them to tie the laces in, so they won’t slip off while they learn. Put one lace in each hand and have them draw a simple “X” with the laces by crossing over the other.
Why this step? It teaches them to control the laces and ready them for advanced moves.
Step 2: Bunny Ears Time!
Here’s where the magic happens. Learn the “Bunny Ears” method, a great memorization technique for little kids. Like, “Hey, let’s make 2 ears out of the laces!”
- Cross the laces over one another to make an “X,” like in Step 1.
- Create a loop with each lace and bunny ears. One ear with each lace.
- Hold the loops with both hands and touch them to cross.
- When the ears are crossed, a hole will appear in the middle. Insert one ear into the hole.
- Tuck the loops in,, and voila! You’ve tied your shoes!
Step 3: Work, Work, Work!
Let them try it after you show them how it’s done! If it doesn’t happen on the first attempt, don’t fret. But never forget: Rome didn’t take one day to build, and shoe-tying is no easy feat. Keep practicing. Do it repeatedly, and be congratulatory when they get it right (even if it’s not right the first time).
Analysis: Try to simulate their old pair of shoes or even a stuffed animal pair. The fun will make them want to go all out!
Step 4: Let Them Take Care Of It On Their Own.
Let your child try it out independently when they are comfortable with it. Don’t overload the shoes by beginning with one at a time. You could also put them on a timer and see how fast they tie their shoes. So keep it a little light-hearted, and don’t make it a competition (unless your kid loves competition). If they have trouble, be patient with them, but don’t be the one to help.
4 Hints To Make Shoe Tying Easy.
Make it a Game: If your child is a visual learner, many interactive tutorials and videos break down the steps with animations. Shoes are even tied as a game, thanks to apps! For instance, YouTube brims with fun tutorials that could make your child want to learn how to tie shoes.
Apply Colorful Laces: You can try out different colored or pattern laces, making them interesting. They’ll be giddy with the aesthetics and happy with their comfortable shoes.
Don’t Rush it: Kids love processes, so don’t hurry them up. Leave them at that, particularly if they still need time to understand.
Treat it in Little Bits: If they’re still not getting through, do the task in Little Bits. Aim for only one phase of the process. For instance, first, show them how to fold the laces over before getting into the “bunny ears” part.
Patience and Appreciation: The Need For This Remarkable Virtue.
Learn to tie your kid’s shoes patiently. Everyone is a student for their own reasons. Some kids learn it easily, some don’t, and you might need more time to get it right. Reward them with little victories as they go to stay the fire. And, instead of “You screwed it up,” compliment them on the effort with things like, “Look how close you came! Let’s try again.” This gives them self-worth and makes them want to learn more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Get Too Rushed: Kids don’t always feel comfortable in the first few steps, so don’t expect instant success. Don’t use “Oh come on, we gotta leave!”
- Doing It for Them: Feel free to tie the shoes for them, but don’t. Give them a shot even if the shoes break. They need the opportunity to get their feet wet.
- Don’t Get Rid Of It Too Soon: If you’re sick, chill. Your children can sense that you are not patient, which can cause anxiety. Maintain a calm and positive attitude.
The Last Act: Celebrate the Win!
After your child gets the hang of shoe-tying, give him/her a high-five and let them know they have succeeded! Show family members that they can do it. Not only does this feat enable them to be clothed, but it also improves their self-esteem. And besides, what is not to love about a 5-year-old saying, “I tied my shoes alone!”?
Pro-Tip: Independence Doesn’t Start with Shoes.
Making your child tie his or her shoes is an important and fun developmental milestone. It teaches them patience, resilience, and how to feel good about making something happen by themselves.
When you break down the process into bite-size chunks and make the mood light and fun, you can make it a learning experience that you will remember for years. So tie up those laces and prepare for the next big step in your child’s independence!