I have to admit that I’m sometimes a lazy parent. I like doing things the easy way. You may have noticed that I like shoes that makes it very easy for my toddler, that means that she gets shoes that have velcro and snaps. Easy on, easy off. It seems as though these days most kids learn to read before they tie their shoes. It can be challenging teaching them as well. It took me quite some time to get my now 10 year old mastered in the art and to be honest he’ll still a work in progress. If you want to get your child started in tying their shoes, then now is the time to get started. Check out these five tips for teaching your child how to tie shoes.
#1. Learn by Doing
Most kids learn to tie their shoes by doing. Take the time to show your child how to tie their shoes by showing them how it’s done. You will want to tie your shoe first and then shoe them how to tie their shoes. I know it sounds elementary, but you really have to carve out time for showing a child how to tie their shoes.
#2. Watch a Video
As I mentioned, some kids are more visual when it comes to learning. Have your child sit down and watch someone else teach them how to tie their shoes. Not every child learns best from their parent and this is why ‘how-to’ videos come into play here.
#3. Read a Book
There are tons of “how to tie your shoe” books out there. Just take a look on Amazon. I was able to find the book “I Can Tie My Own Shoes“. There are even some kid’s books that have shoe laces attached to help your child learn how to tie their shoes. If your child loves to read and listen to you read, this may be a good route to go!
#4. Tie a Variety of Items
Before your child ace the art of tying their shoes, they are going to need a lot of practice. That practice comes in the form of tying a variety of items. You can buy a practice pair of shoe laces for your child to practice on or you can find random things around the house that needs tying.
#5. Go Colorful
Teaching your child how to tie their shoes can be tricky, which is why you need a ton of tricks up your sleeve. If your child still isn’t “getting it” and you’ve tried everything under the book, then it’s time to whip out the different colored shoe laces. This will help them see clearly what’s happening as you teach them to tie their shoes.
Teaching a child how to tie their shoes may seem like something that’s never going to happen. However, it will. It really takes time, energy, and effort to help those little fingers learn how to tie their shoe laces. The best thing you can do is remain patient and understanding, your child will get there and soon enough this will be a distant memory.
Do you have any tips for teaching your child to tie their shoes?
