The Bunny Ears Method: An Easy Way to Teach Tying Shoes
Here's what most parents discover the hard way — the "right" way to teach tying shoes isn't always the easy way. You've probably been there: kneeling on the floor, one hand holding a finger, the other trying to guide laces that seem to have minds of their own. Your kid's frustration builds. Plus, your patience wears thin. And somewhere between the third "loop, swoop, and pull" and the tenth failed attempt, you both wonder why this simple task feels like rocket science No workaround needed..
The truth is, there's a method that works for most kids — not because it's traditional, but because it actually matches how children think and move. It's called the bunny ears method, and if you haven't tried it yet, you might be making shoe-tying way harder than it needs to be Took long enough..
What Is the Bunny Ears Method?
The bunny ears method breaks tying shoes into two identical steps. That said, instead of the complicated "wrap one lace around the other, pull through the hole, make a loop, thread it... " sequence that trips up so many kids, this approach treats both loops the same way The details matter here..
Quick note before moving on.
Here's how it works: you make a loop with one lace (the bunny ear), wrap the other lace around it, tuck it through, and pull both ends tight. The magic? You do the exact same thing for the second loop. But no switching hands. In real terms, no confusing mirror movements. No wondering which lace goes where.
Think of it like building with blocks — each step is the same shape, just repeated. And kids don't have to remember two different sequences. They learn one pattern and do it twice And that's really what it comes down to. No workaround needed..
Why This Method Works Better
Most traditional shoe-tying instructions assume kids can handle abstract thinking and bilateral coordination — skills that are still developing well into elementary school. Consider this: the classic method requires holding a loop in one hand while manipulating the other lace, which means your child is using both hands differently at the same time. That's genuinely hard for young brains to coordinate Still holds up..
And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds.
The bunny ears method sidesteps this entirely. Both hands do the same thing, just at different times. It's like clapping versus patting your head and rubbing your belly — one is natural, the other takes practice Nothing fancy..
There's also the memory factor. Consider this: pull tight. Tuck it through. Practically speaking, " By the time they get to step four, they've forgotten step one. The bunny ears method reduces this to: "Make a loop. When kids learn the traditional method, they have to remember a sequence that sounds like gibberish: "Make a bunny ear, wrap the other lace around it, poke it through the hole, grab the bunny ear and pull...Wrap the other lace around it. " Then repeat. Simple.
How to Teach It Step by Step
Start With the Basics
Before you even think about tying, make sure your child can cross one lace over the other and pull tight. This crossing motion is the foundation of everything that comes next. Practice it until it's automatic — literally, have them do it ten times without thinking Worth keeping that in mind. That alone is useful..
You'll also want to work on making a simple loop. Some kids struggle with the concept of holding a loop without it collapsing. Try practicing with ribbon or yarn first — it's easier to grip and doesn't slip around like shoelaces can That alone is useful..
The First Loop
Hold both laces together at the ends and make a loop with one of them. This is the bunny ear. Don't worry about which hand holds which lace — pick whatever feels most comfortable for your child Surprisingly effective..
The key here is to make the loop big enough to work with but not so big that it's unwieldy. Most kids find a loop about the width of their palm works well Not complicated — just consistent..
Wrapping and Tucking
Take the other lace and wrap it around the base of the bunny ear. That said, bring it across the front, around the back, and end up on the same side where you started. Now comes the tricky part — tucking it through the hole that forms between the loop and the standing lace.
This is where most kids need the most help. They'll either tuck the lace in the wrong direction or miss the hole entirely. Be patient here. It's not about getting it right the first time; it's about building muscle memory Simple, but easy to overlook..
Pulling It Tight
Once the second lace is tucked through, grab both ends and pull. The bunny ear should stay in place while the other lace tightens around it. If the loop collapses or the knot slips, that's okay — it means they need a little more practice with the tucking step No workaround needed..
Making the Second Ear
Here's where the bunny ears method really shines. Day to day, once the first loop is secure, your child makes another bunny ear with the loose lace. They wrap the first loop around it, tuck through the hole, and pull tight. Same steps. Same hand positions. Just repeated.
This is the part that clicks for most kids — the realization that they're doing the same thing twice. It removes the mental gymnastics of remembering different sequences for each loop.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Rushing the Process
I know you're standing there thinking, "Just pull it tight already!If they're struggling with the tuck, don't move on to pulling. " But rushing leads to frustration, and frustration leads to giving up. Practically speaking, kids need time to process each step. Work that step until it feels natural And that's really what it comes down to..
Correcting Too Much
There's a difference between gentle guidance and constant correction. Every time you grab your child's hands and "fix" what they're doing, you're telling them they can't do it themselves. Also, instead, try asking questions: "Where does the lace need to go? " "What happens if you tuck it this way?
Skipping the Foundation
Some parents jump straight to tying without making sure their child has the prerequisite skills. Can they make a loop and hold it? Can your kid tie a simple overhand knot? If not, expect frustration all around.
Using the Wrong Laces
Thick, stiff laces or slippery synthetic ones are harder for small hands to manage. Also, if possible, start with thin, soft cotton laces or even yarn. Once they've mastered the motion, they can transfer to regular shoelaces.
Practical Tips That Actually Work
Use the Right Shoes
Low-top sneakers with wide, flat laces are ideal for learning. High-tops restrict movement, and narrow laces slip more easily. If you're buying shoes specifically for learning to tie, look for ones with two sets of eyelets — that way you can practice on one pair while keeping the other pair ready for walking Turns out it matters..
Practice Without Shoes First
Sit on the couch with a piece of yarn or ribbon and practice the motions. Your child can get comfortable with the looping and tucking without the added pressure of keeping a shoe steady That's the whole idea..
Make It a Game
Turn practice time into playtime. Because of that, race to see who can tie their shoe first. Also, tell stories while you practice — "The bunny is hopping around the tree! " The more you can make it fun, the less pressure your child will feel.
Celebrate Small Wins
Did they make a loop without it falling apart? Victory dance. Consider this: did they remember to tuck the lace through the hole? High five. These small celebrations keep motivation high and make the inevitable setbacks easier to handle.
Be Consistent But Flexible
Pick a time of day when you're both relaxed and stick to it. Plus, for many families, right before bed works well — there's no rush, and the child is usually calm. But if your kid is having an off day, don't push it. Some days are better for learning than others.
FAQ
At what age should I start teaching my child to tie shoes?
Most kids are ready somewhere between ages 5 and 7, though some start earlier and some later. Look for signs of readiness: they can tie a simple knot, they have the fine motor control to manipulate small objects, and they're showing interest in doing things independently.
How long does it usually take to learn?
Expect 2-4 weeks of regular practice. Some kids get it in a few days; others need months. The key is consistency — short, daily practice sessions work better than long, infrequent ones.
What if my child is struggling with the traditional method?
Try switching to bunny ears. If that doesn't work either, consider that your child might not be ready yet. Sometimes taking a break for a few weeks and trying
again in a month can make all the difference Which is the point..
Conclusion
Learning to tie shoelaces is a major milestone in a child's journey toward independence. While it can feel like a repetitive and sometimes exhausting task for both parent and child, patience is your most valuable tool. By choosing the right equipment, utilizing engaging methods like "bunny ears," and maintaining a positive, low-pressure environment, you turn a frustrating chore into a rewarding achievement.
Remember, there is no set deadline for mastery. Plus, every successful loop and every tightened knot is a step toward self-reliance. Stay consistent, keep it fun, and before you know it, you’ll be standing by the door, watching them head out the door—shoes tied and ready for adventure.
This changes depending on context. Keep that in mind.
