January is a great time to introduce the idea of a New Year’s resolution, and to help your kid focus on learning a new skill. When Travis overheard a classmate say their resolution was to learn to tie their shoes, I seized on the opportunity to tackle this big kid skill!

We tried two methods, and here’s what worked best for Travis:

First, he sat in my lap so we were both facing the laces in the same direction. Cross one lace over the other to form an X and tuck one lace through the hole; pull tight. So far so good!

Now make one bunny ear, and pinch closed with your fingers over your child’s. Wrap the other lace around and push through the hole until it makes a second bunny ear. Now pull the ears tight. We called the loose ends the “whiskers” to stick with the bunny theme!

Travis could do this method from my lap, but not once he tried it solo. So it was time for two bunny ears. Instead of forming just one, form two “bunny ears”, then cross them into an X and tuck one bunny ear through the hole. Pull tight.

Little sister Veronika might not be ready to tie her laces, but she sure wanted to try on the shoes!

Which method works best for your child: one bunny ear or two? Please share in the comments!