Tag: artistic kids

How to Teach your Kid to Tie Their Shoes

FYI – this post contains affiliate links. 

I admit that I have yet to figure out how to teach a kid to tie their shoes. My ex-husband was the one I let have that job. Even today, while my sons have been taught to tie their own shoelaces, they simply have zero interest in doing it.

It’s frustrating to have boys who are like, “no thanks” when it comes to tieing their shoelaces. I get it. It’s such hard work and it’s especially difficult for my middle who is on the autism spectrum, his fine motor skills aren’t that great.

As my sons got older, the velcro shoe options were a removed point. The larger your kid gets, the less chance of finding a velcro style shoe for them. Today I figured I’d share some tips on how to teach your kid to tie their shoes and an option to avoid shoe tying altogether.

How to Teach Your Kid to Tie Their Shoes

How to Teach Your Kid to Tie Their Shoes

[clickToTweet tweet=”Just a few little tips on how to get your kids to tie their own shoes and a hack to get around this whole shoelace tying deal. #parenting #parents #momlife #parentinfluence” quote=”Just a few little tips on how to get your kids to tie their own shoes and a hack to get around this whole shoelace tying deal. #parenting #parents #momlife #parentinfluence”]

Bunny Ears

There is this bunny ears, loop swoop and something trick that I recall from my childhood. I have no idea how it works and it seems too confusing for this Mama but hey, click here and you’ll see a video on loop, swoop and pull with bunny ear shoelaces.

Loopy Loop

I personally just like to show the kids how to tie their shoes in a logical fashion. Here is your shoelace, look you make a loop, you swing this lace through and that lace through. Done. Maybe this is why I opted to go with the below option when it comes to teaching kids how to tie their shoes?!


Just Buy Hickies

Let’s get straight to the point, I much prefer removing shoelaces from our life. You see, I am all set on continuously showing my sons how to tie their shoes. Their Dad taught them and they simply have no interest or they forget. I have no idea what the deal is, but these options for shoelace-less shoes? Hickies Inc. Make me happy.

About Hickies

Never tie your sneakers again

 Snug, secure fit for an active lifestyle.

Made from a Memory-fit elastomer that reacts to the movement of your foot

Customize your kids’ shoes with Hickies Inc. lacing system. Unlike laces they stretch to slip your feet in so you can trot off in a hurry.

Stop tying sneakers forever. Replace the lace with HICKIES lacing system and slip on your shoes without the need of having to teach kids to tie their shoes.

Never waste another moment tying, fusing, or fumbling over your instructions to teach your kids to tie their shoes. Switching to HICKIES lacing system you will never bother tying your shoes again.


What A Pet Can Teach Your Kids

If you have a family, there are high chances you have a family pet as well. It’s part of the perfect packaged deal: kids we love and a pet to complete the circle in a cute and friendly ways. Dogs and cats can be our best friends, and having a hutch in the backyard means we have an excuse to spend a lot more time out there. That means that having a pet can teach us a lot more about ourselves, and allow us to brush up on our people skills. For children, this works in double time due to the developmental process. Here’s a few of the best talents a child can pick up from interacting with a four legged friend.

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Plenty of Compassion

Guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters are some of the smallest creatures we can keep in our houses, and they’re cute and fluffy enough for a kid to love unconditionally. The bonding that can take place is one that’ll last forever, and offers a good model for any future friend making.

Sometimes our kids can surprise us, and the amount of empathy they can gain just from cleaning out a cage without being asked, or refilling bowls and water bottles is immense; it also teaches boundaries. Picking up these basic need skills can help them understand what they’re feeling better, and get them to be more considerate of others as well.

Responsibility

Self control is something we all need to get a little more of, and having a small furry friend who relies upon your for everything is a good way of learning this, and learning it fast.  Even when you have healthy and natural treats to give out, like those of Betsy Farms, too many is still bad for your pet’s health.

A dog is one of the most reliant pets that you can have, and they love us with all of their pure hearts. However, kindness can sometimes go a little too far when we want to repay this devotion. Learning how to temper treat time allows kids to understand action consequences, and what they can do to avoid them in the first place.

A Few More Social Skills

We all talk to our pets, whether it be in a baby voice or a full blown conversation, so let your kids use this to their advantage. Having a dog can teach us how to interact with others, and when and where to smile, if you’re not very good at keeping that up. This works especially well for kids who are a bit lonelier, as sometimes a pet can be an only friend.

Coming home to a pet makes us feel happier and more comfortable when we’re around the house, so the same goes for when we’re outside. Taking a dog for a walk can give a kid a boost to their confidence as they have someone with them that they don’t have to interact with on a human skill, but can still practice on.

Encouraging Creativity In Children

As a parent, giving your children the best start in life is the top item on the agenda. Encouraging the kids to explore their creative sides is a pivotal part of that development. This is why you must take the necessary steps to let it happen. But how?

There are many different approaches, and trying out various methods until you find what works for the individual is key. Here are four of the most common and rewarding ideas out there.

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Toys For Adventure

Home is the perfect starting place for children to express their creativity. One of the best options is to let them use their imagination. A toddler tipi can go a long way to getting youngsters to take on all kinds of crazy adventures. As they get a little older, you can additionally look at garden jungle gyms.

In addition to encouraging creativity, those types of toys promote a sense of sharing. This makes them a far better option than solo games and toys that stifle creativity. When choosing video games, titles like Minecraft are better than linear narrative adventures.

Encourage Artistry  

Unlocking a child’s artistic flair is a truly wonderful thing, and this could take many different forms. Of course, paints and crayons are a great starting point, but there are many alternatives. Just because your child isn’t naturally brilliant at drawing, it doesn’t mean they can’t be artistic.

Playing musical instruments is another fantastic way for them to express that flair and creativity. With this in mind, all parents should embrace gifted children. Similarly, dancing and other art forms can be used to promote that creative spark in a productive manner. These activities also aid the development of key motor skills while team events increase communication too.

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Explore Exciting Locations

One of the best ways to explore that creative side is to explore new locations. Our family loves visiting Helen, Georgia. However, yours could find similar adventures in a host of places. From parks to nature reserves, those day trips and adventures are truly rewarding.

Learning more about the world gives your children a far better chance of making up imaginative games and stories. Meanwhile, the car journeys can be a great time for building that excitement and getting them to think about those magical adventures. If nothing else, the opportunity to make new friends will have a hugely positive impact.

Let Them Have A Say

When organizing fun family activities, it’s very easy to take control. However, actively encouraging kids to have an input can work wonders. Brainstorm ideas at the kitchen table to get them excited and using their imagination. Of course, you may have to reject some ideas. Still, you’ll be surprised with the great suggestions. In many cases, they’ll choose things that’ll save a lot of money too.

Even simple tasks like baking cakes together, or growing fruit and veg can tap into their creativity. With a little planning, you’ll have no problems making it fun and child-friendly. The kids will be happy while you’ll love spending time together too. The fact that it helps their development is simply a bonus.