Any suggestions for shoe tying?

Question

I've been trying to get my 6 yr old son to tie his shoes. He is getting really frustrated cause he can't get it. It took no time at all for my daughter to learn when she was this age. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I really don't have any suggestions for tying a shoe.

However I would like you to know as a mom of 7 grown men now. Never compare your children, to each-other or anyone else. Each child has their own growth potential. Eventually they all learn how crawl, sit up, walk, talk, etc...

Comparing only makes the child more anxious. It does not have any positive benefits.

Good luck in your parenting.

Answer 2

There are two methods you can try:

One is called "backward chaining" First, you demonstrate the steps in tying a shoe --several times.

Then, you do all the steps except the last one --and have your child do the last step. Do this a few times, until he can do it easily.

Next, you do all but the last two steps --and have him do the rest.

And so on ------

The other method to try is to give him a shoe ( preferably a large one so that it is easier to do) and you use the other one.

You demonstrate the first step and then have him try it. Then you go on to the next step -- and so on.

Another thought ---- the conventional method of shoe tying can be harder for some kids to learn. I have taught some kids to tie using a method I have heard described as the "bunny ear" method. Basically, after tying a single knot (as usual), form a loop in each lace and then tie the loops into a knot. It looks just like the other bow when it is done.

I taught that method to a 3 year old. and I also showed it to a friend who was a Special Ed teacher and spent a lot of time tying her students shoes. She was able to teach some of them using this method.

Answer 3

Break it into steps for him. 1. Cross the laces. 2. Tuck one under the other and pull. 3. Make one of the laces a loop. 4. Wrap the other lace around the loop. 5. Tuck the lace you wrapped around the loop UNDERNEATH itself. 6. Pull You could also try getting a board or piece of heavy cardboard and making a "shoe" shape. Drill holes to lace and leave them untied to practice on. I think there may be books like this or shoe boards for tying at bookstores or educators supply stores that you could buy. You could also have him practice on a shoe that is not on his foot until he gets it and then put it on his foot and do it. You didn't say how old your child was. Could it be they are too young? Sometimes preschool aged kids just don't get it while others do. Some won't learn to tie until kindergarten or first grade. If your child is way older than that though and not getting it then you really do need to work with teaching this instead of backing off and letting them learn on their own pace and time. good luck!

Answer 4

First: start the tie make him do this 5 times
untill he gets it
Next: do two loops he should get this right away
if he dosent make himp do this 3 times
now repeat part one and two 6 times
Next: Take one loop and do the over and under/Pull/Done
do this 10 times and then reopeat every thing 5 times
do this every day for a week
hope i helped

Answer 5

Might sound silly, but instead of getting them to tie their own shoe, get a piece of cardboard and use a hole punch to make 8 lace holes. Thread a shoe lace into it. Make two, one for you and one for the child. Then sit them next to you and let them follow each move you make. Start off slowly and gradually speed it up, guaranteed to work in no time. Just the thought of being able to beat a parent is incentive enough for any child. Play nice you have to let them win

Answer 6

get Velcro shoes. He will learn. Teachers told me, don't sweat the small stuff. Life has changed. (We didn't have shooes with Velcro when we were boys and girls !) Maybe your daughter can teach him. Sometimes kids have a better way of making someone in their age group understand better. In the meantime, don't make mornings stressful getting ready for school. They can dress themselves and be on time with Velcro Shoes !

Answer 7

First: start the tie
Next: do two loops
Next: Take one loop and do the over and under/Pull/Done