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Helping your child learn the important life skill of tying their own shoes can feel like a big milestone, especially as they gain independence at home and at school. If you’re searching for guidance on how to teach a child to tie their shoes, the early childhood educators from Primary Beginnings are here to help.
At our 5-star Raleigh preschool we know first hand that different children learn in different ways. Join us as we share how to break down the step-by-step process for tying shoelaces into simple movements that build confidence, coordination, and mastery.
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Benefits of Kids Learning to Tie Their Own Shoelaces
As kids grow, learning to handle shoe tying on their own becomes an important part of independence, coordination, and school readiness. Here are some key benefits of helping your toddler learn to tie shoes:
- Builds Fine Motor Skills: Tying shoes strengthens the small muscles in the hands and fingers, which supports writing, buttoning, and other everyday tasks.
- Encourages Independence: When a child can tie their own shoes, they feel more capable and confident managing their own routines at home and at school.
- Supports Focus and Patience: Following the steps of tying shoelaces teaches children to slow down, follow directions, and stick with a task from start to finish.
- Promotes Problem-Solving Skills: As kids correct loose knots, fix uneven loops, or pull tight to adjust, they learn to notice problems and implement problem-solving skills to improve.
- Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: Many children feel proud the first time they successfully tie their shoes on their own, and that sense of success often carries over into other areas of learning.
The Bunny Ears Method
The bunny ears method is a classic approach that uses two loops to make tying shoelaces easier for young learners. This method works well for kids who enjoy stories, visuals, and simple repetitive steps.
How to Teach a Child to Tie Their Shoes
Step-by-Step Bunny Ears Method Process
Why This Method Works
The bunny ears method is effective because it uses simple shapes that kids can easily hold with their fingers. The visual of bunny ears gives children a playful mental image to follow, which helps them remember each step. Over time, the repetitive movements help strengthen fine motor skills and build confidence.
Why Kids Prefer This Method
Many kids enjoy the bunny ears method because it feels like a game rather than a chore. Turning the laces into “ears” and crossing them makes tying shoes feel more like playtime than practice. The fun story element helps reduce frustration and keeps children engaged long enough to master the steps.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your child struggles with uneven loops or loose knots, try simplifying the movements and slowing down each step. You can also use two lace colors to help them see the crossing pattern more clearly.
Uneven Loops:
Show your child how to pinch each bunny ear lower on the lace for better control so the loops stay the same size.
Knot Comes Loose:
Encourage them to pull tight at both the starting knot and final loop so the shoe stays tied during walking and play.
The Loop, Swoop, and Pull Method
This method is a structured, predictable sequence that works well for kids who like clear steps. Many parents and teachers use it because it teaches children how to tie shoes using one loop instead of two.
How to Teach a Child to Tie Their Shoes
Step-by-Step Loop, Swoop, and Pull Process
Why This Method Works
This method appeals to children who prefer structure and consistency, because each movement follows a predictable pattern. Forming one loop instead of two can be easier for young fingers that are still building coordination. The swooping and pulling steps also provide clear motion cues that help the process feel manageable.
Why Kids Prefer This Method
Kids who like sequencing activities and routines often prefer loop, swoop, and pull because the sequence stays exactly the same each time. The clear words for each step—loop, swoop, and pull—give them simple cues to follow as they work through the process. Many children feel proud when they can repeat the steps on their own without reminders.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your child becomes frustrated, slow down and repeat only one step at a time. Using a red lace and black lace can help them visually track the swoop and pull more clearly.
Loop Slips Out:
Show your child how to pinch the loop tightly before swooping so it doesn’t slide away.
Knot Looks Twisted:
Demonstrate the swoop movement more slowly so the lace wraps smoothly and the bow sits neatly on the shoe.
Tips to Help Kids Succeed at Tying Their Own Shoelaces
Showing how to teach a child to tie their shoes takes patience, repetition, and lots of encouragement from parents and caregivers.
Helpful Tips: How to Teach a Child to Tie Their Shoes
FAQs for How to Teach a Child to Tie Their Shoes
What is the easiest way to teach a child to tie their shoes?
Most parents find that starting with either the bunny ears method or the loop swoop and pull technique gives their child a simple, repeatable sequence. Trying both can help determine which one feels more natural.
At which age would a child be expected to tie shoes?
Children often begin tying shoes between ages 5 and 7. Readiness varies depending on motor skills, patience, and how often they practice tying shoelaces.
Should my child be able to tie shoes before entering preschool?
Most preschoolers are still developing the fine motor skills needed for tying shoes, so it’s common if they aren’t able to do it yet. Many children don’t tie their own shoes independently until kindergarten or early elementary school.
Why can’t my child tie his own shoes?
Your child may just need more time, clearer visuals, or more opportunities to practice. Slowing down, using different lace colors, or demonstrating steps repeatedly can help. If concerns persist, an occupational therapist can offer additional guidance.
Contact Primary Beginnings for Supportive Early Childhood Learning
If you’re looking for a nurturing environment where your child can strengthen important developmental skills—including fine motor skills used for tying shoes—Primary Beginnings is here to help. Visit or contact our Raleigh preschool to learn more about our curriculum, caring teachers, and early childhood programs that help children grow with confidence.
Get started today by calling our Spring Forest Road location at 919-790-6888, Falls of Neuse Road location at 919-615-0752, North Hills Drive location at 919-785-0303, or fill out the form below to schedule a tour of one of our three North Raleigh locations.