How to Teach Kids to Tie Shoes: Step by Step

Tying shoelaces is a big milestone, and it can be very frustrating to learn. Most children are ready between ages 5 and 7, when their fine motor skills and patience have developed enough. Here are two popular methods, practice tips and tricks to make it click.

Signs your child is ready

• They can cross their legs and reach their shoes comfortably.
• They can make a simple knot or pinch a loop.
• They're interested and want to try.
• They can follow two or three steps in order.

If they're not ready, build hand strength first with fine motor skills activities: threading beads, playdough, and lacing cards.

Set up for success

• Practise off the foot first. Use a shoe on a table in front of them, facing the same way as their own foot.
• Use two-colored laces. Color half of a white lace with a marker, or tie two different colored laces together. It makes "this lace" and "that lace" much clearer.
• Use stiffer, longer laces while learning; they're easier to handle.
• Pick a calm time. Not when you're late for school!

Method 1: Bunny ears (two loops)

This is often the easiest method for children.

1. Make an X. Cross the laces over each other.
2. Tuck and pull. Tuck one lace under the X and pull both tight. This is the starting knot.
3. Make bunny ears. Make a loop with each lace.
4. Cross the ears. Cross one loop over the other to make an X.
5. Tuck one ear. Push one loop under and through the hole.
6. Pull tight. Pull both loops outward.

Make up a little rhyme to remember the steps, such as: "Cross it, tuck it, ears up high, cross the ears and through they fly!"

Method 2: Loop, swoop and pull (one loop)

1. Make the starting knot (cross, tuck and pull).
2. Make a loop with one lace and hold it.
3. Swoop the other lace around the loop.
4. Push it through the hole you've made, making a second loop.
5. Pull both loops tight.

Practice ideas

• Practise board. Punch holes in a piece of cardboard, thread a lace through and practise there.
• Shoe drawing. Draw a big shoe on card, punch holes and thread a real lace through.
• Practise daily. Five minutes a day is better than a long session once a week.
• Teddy's shoes. Practise tying laces on a toy's shoes.
• Break it into steps. Master the starting knot first, then the loops.

Make it fun

• Celebrate each step: "You made a perfect X!"
• Set a timer and see how fast they can do it, once they know how.
• Teach a younger sibling or a teddy.
• Give a "shoe tying certificate" when they master it.

Troubleshooting

• Laces keep coming undone: double-knot the bow, or tie the loops together once more.
• Loops too small: make loops longer while learning.
• Left-handed children: sit beside them rather than opposite, or mirror the steps.
• Frustration: stop, take a break and try again tomorrow.

When to try other options

If your child finds it really hard, that's okay. Velcro shoes, elastic laces or slip-ons are fine while skills develop. Some children with fine motor or coordination difficulties need more time and practice. If you're concerned, talk to your child's teacher or doctor.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Teaching when rushed. Practise at calm times.
• Facing them. Sit beside or behind your child so they see the same view as you.
• Doing it for them every time. Let them try, even if it's slow.

Frequently asked questions

What age should kids tie their shoes?

Many children learn between 5 and 7, but every child is different.

Which method is easier, bunny ears or loop and swoop?

Many children find bunny ears easier at first, because both loops look the same.

How can I stop laces coming undone?

Try a double knot, or use elastic or no-tie laces for younger children.

A one-week shoe-tying plan

• Day 1: practise the starting knot only, on a shoe on the table.
• Day 2: starting knot, then make one loop.
• Day 3: make two loops (bunny ears).
• Day 4: cross the loops.
• Day 5: tuck and pull. Celebrate the first full bow!
• Day 6: practise on their own shoe while sitting down.
• Day 7: tie shoes before going out, with help as needed.

Practise for five minutes a day and stop before frustration sets in.

Make a practice board

Cut a shoe shape from thick cardboard, punch two rows of holes and thread a long two-colored lace through. Children can practise anywhere: in the car, at the table or on the sofa.

How long does it take to learn?

Some children learn in a few days; others take weeks or months. Regular, short practice works best.

Are elastic laces okay?

Yes, they're a handy option while children are still learning.