Family & Parenting

How to Teach a Child to Tie Their Shoelaces

Two easy methods, practice tips and how to keep it frustration-free.

Editorial TeamNovember 6, 20261 min read

Learning to tie shoelaces is a big milestone. Many children are ready somewhere around ages 5–7, but every child is different.

Method 1: Bunny ears

  1. Cross the laces and tuck one under to make a starting knot.
  2. Make a loop with each lace — the "bunny ears".
  3. Cross the ears over each other.
  4. Tuck one ear under and through the hole.
  5. Pull both ears tight.

Method 2: Loop, swoop and pull

  1. Make the starting knot.
  2. Make one loop.
  3. Wrap the other lace around the loop (the swoop).
  4. Push it through the hole.
  5. Pull both loops tight.
Two-colour lacesUse laces with two different colours, or colour half of each lace with a marker, so kids can see which lace goes where.

Practice tips

  • Practise on a shoe on the table, not on their feet at first.
  • Keep sessions short and positive.
  • Practise when you're not in a rush.

Celebrate each small success. Frustration is normal — take a break and try again another day.

#Family & Parenting#Kids
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Written by Editorial Team

Our editors research, test and simplify everyday tasks so you can get them right the first time. Spotted something we should update? Let us know on our contact page.

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