Learning to tie shoelaces

Tying shoelaces is a difficult skill that takes time and practice to learn. Children need good hand skills, coordination, concentration and the ability to remember and follow a sequence of steps.

Every child learns at their own pace. Regular practice, praise and encouragement are key.

Top tips

Use the following tips to help your child:

• make sure your child understands why learning to tie laces is important. Encourage regular practice. You may wish to consider using a reward chart
• use a consistent method. Make sure all adults teaching the skill use the same approach
• sit beside your child when practising so you are both looking at the task from the same angle
• you can try Backwards Chaining to support your child to take part in the task and achieve some success (see Helping your child learn new skills)
• use picture prompts or step-by-step photos to help your child remember the sequence
• try using two-coloured shoelaces to make it easier to tell the laces apart
• stiffer laces can be easier to manage. Dipping laces in PVA glue and allowing them to dry can help
• once your child knows the steps, practise with a shoe placed on their lap or on a table before moving to shoes on their feet
• practise little and often. Look for opportunities to practise throughout the day like dressing gown cords, bags, boxes or toys that have laces to fasten and unfasten
• avoid practising when you're in a rush, such as before school
• turn practice into a game and celebrate effort as well as success

Learning to tie shoelaces takes patience, practice and encouragement. Keep sessions short and positive. Celebrate small successes. Focus on building confidence as well as independence