human
How can I help my five-year-old who is struggling to tie his shoes?
assistant
Start by sitting with your child and demonstrating how to tie their shoes using the "bunny ears" method. Show them how to make two loops, cross them, and then pull the loops tight to begin the knot. Then, show them how to make the bow by making the same motions on the other side. Be sure to offer plenty of praise and encouragement as they practice. 2 If your child is having difficulty, you could break the task down by practicing each step separately. Focus on the tying motion and build confidence by slowly adding steps. You can also try tying shoe laces around objects such as a stuffed animal so your child can practice in a fun way.3 Lastly, it may help to have your child alternate between wearing different types of closures such as Velcro sneakers, slip-ons, or loafers. This could help your child build the confidence they need to learn how to tie their own shoes.