Early childhood education, whether at home or in preschool, helps kids learn critical skills like tying their shoes. This lesson sticks with children for life and helps them develop both their mental functions and motor skills, but it can be a challenging process for kids and parents alike. That’s why early childhood education experts recommend implementing the following tips.

How to Teach Children to Tie Their Shoes

1. Take Your Time

While you may be tempted to start early, this lesson should wait until your children are about 4 years old. By that point, they should have the necessary physical and mental skills needed to accomplish the task. Trying to teach them any sooner risks making the experience overwhelming for the children and frustrating for you.

2. Use the Ideal Method

Many people teach their children using the two-loop “bunny-ear” method, but this is actually more difficult for younger children. Instead, licensed early childhood education experts recommend using the one-loop option, also known as the “around-the-tree” version. Have your children create a loop with one end, wrap the other end around it, and pull a loop through the middle.

3. Practice With Bigger Objects

The first step to teaching children to tie their shoes is to have them understand the basic concept and motions, then move onto the act of doing it themselves. Before working with shoes, go through the motions with bigger strings. For example, tie a jump rope around a tree or use a cardboard cutout with thick shoestrings to make it easier to master each step.

4. Make It Fun

Adding elements of entertainment helps to alleviate the stress your children may experience. Sing songs, make up poems, or tell stories to keep them entertained and help them remember each step. Also, reward them with stickers or candy for accomplishing different milestones to add more excitement.

5. Test Them Occasionally

As your children become more comfortable tying their shoes, discreetly test them from time to time, but don’t make it feel like a stressful exam. Instead, ask them to put their shoes on while you grab your coat. When you come back, see if they were successful.

For more early childhood education tips, contact Great Beginnings in St. Charles and Cottleville, MO. As one of the premier preschool education and after-school care providers, their highly trained staff follow the carefully crafted curriculum to help foster an excitement for learning. For questions about enrollment, call (636) 742-5048 for St. Charles, (636) 447-4212 for Cottleville. Learn more about their programs and services online.