What skill is generally not expected from a four-year-old in terms of self-help?

At four years old, children typically display a range of developing self-help skills, but tying laces is generally not one of them. While children at this age are often capable of putting on shoes, buttoning shirts, and distinguishing the orientation of clothing, the fine motor skills and coordination required to tie shoelaces are complex tasks that usually emerge later, around the ages of five to six.

At this age, children may struggle with the dexterity and concentration required to perform a knot, which involves not only fine motor control but also cognitive aspects like remembering the sequence of movements. Therefore, while they may be working on their independence, tying laces usually falls beyond the expectations for self-help skills at this developmental stage.