Teaching your child to tie their own shoes is an important task but very tedious and difficult. It is something we do so often and quickly that we don't even think about HOW to do it. Here are some tips to help you teach your child how to tie their shoes.
Age - Remember that your child's hands and dexterity is still developing long after they have mastered picking up cheerios. Depend on their own rate of development, kids may have the dexterity necessary to learn to tie their shoes between the ages of 5 and 7 according to DisneyFamily.com
Larger Laces - The laces on children's shoes are much smaller than on adult shoes and harder for them to manipulate while they are learning.
Soft Laces - You want laces that are worn, soft, and pliable to make it easier for a beginner.
Miss Matched Laces - If you can, use laces of different colors. You want them to be the same size and shape but different colors. If you can't do that then color one of the laces with a marker. This will help them tell the laces apart as they are trying to tie them.
Learn Together - Sit with your child between your legs or on your lap with an adult shoe. Don't try to teach them when you are facing them. (one of you has to do it upside down and its more confusing this way). If your child is sitting in your lap or between your legs then it will be easier to show them what to do.
Repeat Yourself - Children learn best with repetition so they can talk it through themselves. "Make and X. Wrap it around and pull it tight. Make two bunny ears. Wrap it around and pull it tight." Show them as you do it but try to say the same thing every time so they can repeat it to themselves as they practice.
Thanks to DisneyFamily.com for some great advice.
