There is a specific kind of magic in a child’s "I did it myself" moment. Whether it is that first wobble on a bicycle or the first time they button their own coat, these little victories pave the way for growing up.

One of the biggest milestones in the early years is moving from Velcro straps to grown-up laces. It marks a transition—suddenly, they are ready for "big school," ready for more serious adventures, and ready for a little more independence.

However, as any parent who has tried to get out of the door on a busy Monday morning knows, teaching this skill requires patience. Little fingers can find fiddly knots frustrating. But with a calm approach and the right technique, you can turn a tricky task into a fun memory.

Why the "Bunny Ears" Method Works
At Trotters, we have fitted thousands of pairs of shoes over the years, and we have seen many parents tackle the lace-tying lesson. While there are a few ways to do it, we find the "Bunny Ears" method is often the easiest for children to grasp. It uses a visual story to explain the movement, making it much easier to remember than a list of technical instructions.

The Bunny Ears Rhyme
Before you start, sit down with your child in a quiet moment—ideally not when you are rushing to leave the house! It helps to sit side-by-side rather than opposite, so they can copy your hand movements exactly.

Recite this little poem to set the scene:


"Bunny ears, bunny ears, playing by a tree.
Criss-crossed the tree, trying to catch me.
Bunny ears, bunny ears, jumped into the hole,
Popped out the other side, beautiful and bold."


Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is how to break it down, step by step:

Step 1: Start by taking one lace in each hand. Make a simple knot by crossing them over and pulling tight (the roots of the tree).

Step 2: Make a large loop with each lace, holding one in each hand. These are your "Bunny Ears." Say: "Bunny ears, bunny ears, playing by a tree."

Step 3:Cross the loops over each other to make an 'X'. Say: "Criss-crossed the tree, trying to catch me."

Step 4: This is the tricky part. Fold one bunny ear over and push it through the gap (the hole) at the bottom of the 'X'. Say: "Bunny ears, bunny ears, jumped into the hole."

Step 5: Grab the loops and pull them tight. Say: "Popped out the other side, beautiful and bold!"

Practice Makes Perfect
Learning this skill takes time. It helps to practise on a shoe that isn't being worn, perhaps placed on a table in front of them.

A Note on Patience
Remember to keep the mood light. If they get frustrated, take a break and come back to it another day. The goal isn't just a tied shoe; it is the confidence they feel when they look down at their feet and know they are ready to run, jump and play without help.

Good luck—you (and they) have got this!