Teach your child how to tie his shoes

Childhood is made of discoveries and learning, tying your shoes is part of it. This is an important step towards the autonomy of your child. You may feel somewhat helpless in the face of this new challenge.

Never fear, we've rounded up our best expert advice and resources to help you.

Velcro: young children's best friend

Tying shoelaces is not an easy task, which is why it takes practice. It requires fine motor skills in the same way as writing, for example. While waiting for its acquisition, prefer Velcro shoes. They will prevent you from wasting too much time in the morning and will limit frustrations. Your child's educators and teachers will thank you!

At what age does a child learn to lace their shoes?

Generally speaking, young children, between the ages of 4 and 5, are able to learn to tie knots. The learning of loops, meanwhile, is done around the age of 5 and 6 years.

We really advise you to consider the development of your own child. Tying your shoelaces requires 3 different types of skills:

• Visual perception and visuospatial analysis. The child must have acquired spatial vocabulary, such as in front, below, above, etc.
• Fine motor skills.
• Planning: tying your shoelaces results from the succession of several different steps.

A positive attitude is essential

Learning to tie your shoes takes a lot of practice. It takes a lot of coordination, patience and dexterity to get there. This new learning will confront him with his own limits. He may be frustrated. He will need your encouragement and all your patience.

Find a visual aid

It is difficult to explain to another person how to reproduce an action that is natural to us.

Fortunately, there are plenty of visual aids and resources to help you.

You can turn to traditional educational books and toys or to video tutorials and other social networks. Isn't that wonderful?

Books and toys to learn how to tie shoelaces

To support your child in acquiring this new ability, the ideal is to offer him various playful activities. Indeed, play is the best learning technique for all children. It allows their brain to grow by creating new neural connections.

Here is a selection to enable them to apply for the skills mentioned above:

Lacing boards.

They allow toddlers to practice putting on the laces.

https://atelierruetabaga.com/products/tableau-de-bois-a-lacer-dessiner

The classic book:

How to tie his shoes. A beautiful illustrated book with a pair of lace-up shoes on the cover. We love its two-tone laces, as well as the famous "rabbit ears" method (the easiest) explained step-by-step.

https://www.leslibraires.ca/livres/comment-lacer-ses-chaussures-madeleine-deny-9782848016849.html

3D or 2D shoes.

It will be easier for your toddler to learn on them than on his own shoes.

https://www.renaud-bray.com/Jeux_Produit.aspx?id=2095829

The most DIY version:

https://www.rangetesjouets.com/2016/02/18/mission-lacets-printable/ 

Several video tutorials available

The Internet is a source of relevant information. There are plenty of tutorials out there that can help you break down all the steps needed to learn how to tie a knot and a loop. However, to save you time, we have chosen two video tutorials from an occupational therapist.

Learn to tie shoelaces

This is not a video tutorial, but we like it a lot Tiloulou's nursery rhyme.

A big step in the life of a child!

Finally, tying his shoelaces is a stage in the life of a child, but also in that of his parents. Remember these last tips and everything will be fine. To best support your child:

• Bring a playful side to learning
• Break down the steps. You can start by showing it to him and including it as you go. Print him a visual that summarizes them one by one.
• Manipulative games will help him develop his fine motor skills as well as his coordination.
• Encourage him to plan certain tasks in his daily life. This will improve their organizational skills.
• Valuing his progress will boost his self-confidence. Why not print him a diploma when he has learned to tie knots and another for loops, for example.
• Your child must already master his dressing before.
• If you encounter too many difficulties, a professional occupational therapy can help you.