Teach Your Child to Tie Their Shoes in 12 Easy Steps

There was nothing more frustrating then when my son used to come home from school with tiny knots in his shoe laces which were nearly impossible to get out. At times, I found myself using tweezers trying to loosen "boy scout" knots out of his laces. Many occasions he used to come home with his shoe strings raggedy looking as if a dog gnawed on the laces. Oh, and lets not forget about my favorite, no laces at all with his gym shoes flip flopping off of his feet all because he did not know how to tie his shoe laces.

Immediately after my son's seventh birthday we were both determined for him to learn to tie his shoes. I began teaching him the technique that I use to tie my shoe laces, which ended in failure and him crying out, "I will never learn how to time my shoes!" As frustrating as it was for him and I must admit myself as well, I knew I had to come up with a technique he could learn and soon.

After failing to teach him the way I tie my laces, I asked him to simply watch as I tied my shoe laces. After, I asked him to then try to tie his using his own technique and any of mine that he thought was helpful. As he was going through the motions, I realized that he basically had the steps down but further simplification was needed.

This instructable is simple, kid friendly, and designed for parents to teach their child to tie their shoe laces. With practice, patience and following this technique in order (1-13) a child is sure to learn to tie his/her laces which equals a happy child and parent.

*Please read instructions in full before beginning*