Double knots.

I spend a lot of time thinking about velcro sneakers. Maybe it is because I’m a 2nd grade teacher. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom of four. I’m not sure. Either way, velcro is often on my mind.

Yes. Velcro shoes make life easier. A little less of a hassle. BUT… when overused, velcro can also delay a child’s ability to actually TIE their shoes. 

Remember when we were little? No velcro. Just lots of laces.

I remember sitting on the floor in my bedroom for hours…. trying to tie my shoes properly. Knot after knot. Bunny ear after bunny ear. But I also remember the joy I felt when it all finally came together.  

As a teacher, I don’t tie shoes. It’s the first thing I tell my students. Of course, I tie my own shoes- I just don’t bend over and tie anybody else’s. I’m not lazy. I’m not mean. I just think it’s one of those things that children need to do on their own OVER and OVER and OVER again to master.

Now, let’s get real. Life is busy. I totally get it. When my toddlers are looking to put on their own shoes and get themselves ready for the day… you guessed it… there is velcro on their shoes. (And WOW- toddler shoes are cuter than EVER these days!)

But on their way to kindergarten, all Buckleys have sneakers with laces.  We spend the end of summer practicing everyday. That’s my job as a parent. It takes a lot of time and patience. Sometimes there is frustration and tears… (both by the child and the parent!)   But eventually- there is success. Independence.  A feeling of  accomplishment. A rite of passage.

As a mom, I know I can send my school aged children off into the world knowing they can tie their shoes. And if they have a teacher like me, who doesn’t tie shoes… they can also tie somebody else’s.

I’ll share my thoughts on training wheels for another day.