TYING shoelaces, whistling, and using cutlery are the hardest things to teach young children, a poll of parents has found.
The study was commissioned by the the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years and asked 2,000 mums and dads about the things they found trickiest to pass on.
Learning to ride a bike came fourth, followed by how to tell the time and how to button a button.
Helping children learn to swim, brush their teeth, try different foods and successfully write their name rounded off the top 10.
Liz Bayram, PACEY chief executive, said the research was particularly relevant with so many parents caring for and teaching their kids at home amid the coronavirus lockdown.
“Children would ordinarily be going back to childcare or school right now,” she said.
“But instead they are facing more time at home – they’re limited in the activities they can do so they’re likely to be bored or feeling frustrated.
“Helping children with all these important skills is not easy for parents – especially at the moment.
She went on to outline what PACEY is doing to support parents though the coming months.
“We are releasing a range of wonderful free resources created by childcarers and education experts.
“We hope they will give parents ideas to keep children interested and inspired at this challenging time.
“For those children who will be starting school in September, the summer term is a crucial time for parents and childcarers to prepare children for school.
“Our website has lots of resources to help with this important transition.“
Other skills parents find tricky to teach include potty training, getting dressed, putting toys away, and explaining the difference between left and right.
Getting kids to master the alphabet isn’t easy either – and neither is showing them how to count money or teaching them to cross the road safely.
Likewise, introducing children to domestic chores isn’t always straightforward.
Persuading children to help with cooking, set the table, and to wash dishes are also reportedly difficult tasks.
The study did find, though, that 78 per cent of parents are amazed at just how quickly young children develop and learn new things.
Liz Bayram added: “There is so much pressure on parents right now.
“We want to reassure parents that every child is unique and will develop skills at different times.
“Try not to compare children with their siblings or friends – some adults still struggle with things like whistling and riding a bike.
“Having fun with your children is the best way of helping them learn some great new skills while you are all home together.”
PACEY’s free resources for parents are available on its website.
