How to teach kids to tie shoes: step by step

Tying shoelaces is a big milestone, and many children feel very proud when they finally master it. It takes good finger control and patience, so it is normal for it to take a while. This guide explains when children are ready, two easy methods with step-by-step instructions, practice tips and fun ways to make learning less frustrating.

When are kids ready to tie shoes?

Most children learn to tie their shoes between ages five and seven. Signs your child might be ready:

• They can cut along a line with scissors.
• They can thread beads onto a string.
• They can draw a cross and a circle.
• They are interested in tying shoes and want to try.

If your child is not ready yet, practise fine motor skills with threading, play dough, cutting and coloring. Our cutting practice worksheets and tracing worksheets build the same hand strength and control.

Before you start

• Use a practice shoe. Learning on a shoe on your lap is easier than on a foot. You can also make a practice board from card with two holes and a lace.
• Use two-colored laces. Tie a red and a white lace together, or color half of a white lace with a marker. This makes it much easier to see which lace is which.
• Sit beside your child, not in front. Your hands should be the same way round as theirs.
• Choose a calm moment. Never teach when you are rushing out the door.

Method 1: The bunny ears method (easiest for most kids)

This method makes two loops and ties them together.

1. Cross the laces. Make an X with the laces.
2. Tuck and pull. Tuck one lace under the other and pull both tight. This is the first knot.
3. Make bunny ears. Make a loop with each lace. These are the bunny's ears.
4. Cross the ears. Cross one loop over the other, making an X.
5. Tuck one ear through. Push one loop down through the hole under the X.
6. Pull tight. Pull both loops outwards to tighten the bow.

A rhyme can help: "Bunny ears, bunny ears, playing by a tree. Criss-crossed the tree, trying to catch me. Bunny ears, bunny ears, jumped into the hole, popped out the other side, beautiful and bold."

Method 2: The loop, swoop and pull method

This is the classic method that most adults use.

1. Cross and tuck. Make the first knot as above.
2. Make one loop. Make a loop with one lace and hold it.
3. Swoop around. Wrap the other lace around the loop.
4. Push through. Push the wrapped lace through the little hole to make a second loop.
5. Pull tight. Hold both loops and pull.

Some children find this faster once they have mastered bunny ears.

Tips for teaching shoe tying

• Break it into steps. Teach the first knot until it is easy, then the bunny ears, then the rest.
• Do the last step first. Some children like "backward chaining": you do all the steps except the last, and they finish. Then you do all except the last two, and so on.
• Practise little and often. Five minutes a day is better than one long session.
• Praise effort. "You made the first knot all by yourself!"
• Stay patient. If your child gets frustrated, stop and try again tomorrow.
• Use a mirror or video. Some children learn by watching slowly.
• Practise on bigger laces. Thick ropes or ribbons are easier for small fingers at first.

Fun ways to practise

• Shoe tying board. Make a cardboard shoe with holes and laces to practise anywhere.
• Teddy bear shoes. Tie bows on a toy's shoes, or on gift boxes.
• Race the timer. Once your child can tie, see if they can beat their record.
• Bow on everything. Tie bows on presents, hair ribbons and apron strings.
• Star chart. Color in a star each time they tie their shoes by themselves.

Common problems and fixes

The bow keeps coming undone

Make a double knot at the end, or teach your child to pull both loops tight. Waxed laces stay tied better.

My child cannot remember the steps

Use a rhyme, practise one step at a time and use two-colored laces.

My child is left-handed

Sit beside them and mirror their hands, or let them watch a left-handed adult.

My child gets very frustrated

Take a break, try a different method or use velcro shoes for now. There is no rush; every child gets there in their own time.

Building independence

Shoe tying is just one part of getting dressed independently. Children also learn to do buttons, zips and coats around the same age. Let them practise when you are not in a hurry, and praise every small success. Our guide on how to teach kids responsibility has more ideas for building independence at home.

A simple practice plan

Many families find a two-week plan helps:

• Days 1 to 3: practise the first knot only (cross, tuck, pull).
• Days 4 to 6: add the bunny ears and practise crossing them.
• Days 7 to 9: put it all together on the practice shoe.
• Days 10 to 14: tie real shoes on feet, at first with help, then alone.

Keep each session short, end on a success and give lots of praise. If your child is not ready, simply pause and try again in a month.

When your child finally ties their shoes alone, celebrate! A special sticker, a phone call to grandparents or a photo of their first bow makes the moment memorable and gives them confidence for the next new skill.

Frequently asked questions

What age should a child tie their shoes?

Most children learn between ages five and seven. Some learn earlier and some later, and that is completely normal.

What is the easiest way to teach a kid to tie shoes?

The bunny ears method, with two-colored laces on a shoe on your lap, works well for most children.

How long does it take to learn to tie shoes?

It varies. With a few minutes of practice each day, many children learn in a few weeks.