Shoe tying is an important rite of passage for kids, but the practice is losing steam, thanks to Velcro. Yes, it’s easier, and if your kid is under the age of 5, then go ahead and Velcro your little heart out. But if your youngsters are between 5 and 7 — this is when dexterity is ripe — then you really need to teach tying.

“Wondertime” magazine offers five easy steps for teaching your child to tie shoes, complete with a story about a bunny and its cute little ears. It doesn’t get much easier than this. Or does it?

Tell us in comments about your tried-and-true methods for tackling tying.

Photo by: geishaboy500 on flickr