* Use two short lengths of rope in different colors so you can tell them apart.
* Instead of trying to tie a whole knot right away, break down the process into individual tasks. Learn how rope or shoelace feels and moves. Practice sticking it through loops of itself or holes in a lacing card. Learn the words for rope, knots, and actions. Then study the overhand knot before trying to do that and the loops.
* Consider different bow methods. Some people just can't get the hang of some bows, but can learn others.
* If he likes books, the Klutz Book of Knots is good. If he prefers computers, there are animated and text instructions. If he likes math/geometry, consider different shoe lacing patterns. At least then you get a cool design instead of the same stupid thing everyone else is wearing.
* Finally, shoe tying isn't a measure of personhood, sanity, or maturity. It's just a thing many people do. Some folks prefer slip-on, velcro, buckle, or other types of shoe and that is fine. Tying knots is useful for practicing dexterity, but it's not the only way, and probably not worth the headache if it has turned into a trigger. You don't have to eat the eggplant.
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dancing_serpent
Try this ...
Date: 2017-08-22 02:32 am (UTC)* Use big rope instead of small shoelaces.
* Use two short lengths of rope in different colors so you can tell them apart.
* Instead of trying to tie a whole knot right away, break down the process into individual tasks. Learn how rope or shoelace feels and moves. Practice sticking it through loops of itself or holes in a lacing card. Learn the words for rope, knots, and actions. Then study the overhand knot before trying to do that and the loops.
* Consider different bow methods. Some people just can't get the hang of some bows, but can learn others.
* If he likes books, the Klutz Book of Knots is good. If he prefers computers, there are animated and text instructions. If he likes math/geometry, consider different shoe lacing patterns. At least then you get a cool design instead of the same stupid thing everyone else is wearing.
* Finally, shoe tying isn't a measure of personhood, sanity, or maturity. It's just a thing many people do. Some folks prefer slip-on, velcro, buckle, or other types of shoe and that is fine. Tying knots is useful for practicing dexterity, but it's not the only way, and probably not worth the headache if it has turned into a trigger. You don't have to eat the eggplant.