Most of us are either left-handed or right-handed. As parents or caregivers, figuring out which one applies to your child is more than just interesting — it matters for their brain and body growth. In this blog, we’re going to dive into how to spot if your kiddo is a lefty or a righty. We’ll talk about the cool ways babies develop hand preferences and give you some real-world tips for pinpointing handedness in little ones who are in preschool.
Understanding Handedness
Hemispheric Dominance: Handedness is closely linked to the dominance of one hemisphere of the brain over the other. In most individuals, the left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body, and vice versa. This neurological relationship contributes to the development of handedness, with one hand typically exhibiting greater dexterity and preference.
Left-Handedness and Right-Handedness
- Right-Handedness:
- Left-Handedness:
The majority of the population (around 90%) is right-handed, meaning their right hand is their dominant hand for tasks requiring precision, strength, and coordination.
Left-handed individuals (approximately 10% of the population) exhibit a dominant left hand, and their right hemisphere of the brain tends to have greater influence over motor skills.
Also Read: Cradle Cap: Understanding The Causes, Recognising The Signs
Signs of Left or Right-Handedness in Infants
- Preference for Thumb Sucking:
- Reaching and Grasping:
- Lateral Movement:
- Toy Manipulation:
Observing which thumb an infant prefers to suck on can provide early indications of handedness. A left-thumb preference may suggest a propensity for left-handedness, and vice versa.
As infants begin to explore their environment, observe which hand they prefer to reach out and grasp objects with. Consistent use of one hand over the other in these early stages can be an early sign.
Watch for lateral movements, such as reaching across the body with one hand. The dominant hand is more likely to lead in these movements, providing insights into emerging handedness.
Pay attention to how an infant manipulates toys. The hand that consistently grasps, shakes, or explores objects more adeptly may be an early indicator of handedness.
Also Read: Development Milestone: When Can My Child Use Scissors?
Infant Hand Development: Unveiling the Handedness Enigma
- Birth to 6 Months:
- 6 to 12 Months:
- 12 to 18 Months:
- 18 to 24 Months:
- Preschool Years:
During the first few months, infants tend to use both hands equally, exploring their environment through reflexive movements.
Around six months, a preference for one hand may begin to emerge as infants engage in reaching and grasping activities.
By the age of one, a more distinct handedness may be noticeable as infants become increasingly adept at using one hand for specific tasks.
Toddlerhood sees a more established preference for one hand over the other, and this trend becomes more apparent in activities such as drawing or stacking blocks.
As children approach preschool age, their handedness becomes more evident, and they begin to show a clear preference for one hand in activities involving fine motor skills.
Also Read: What Are The Characteristics Of Introverted Children? How To Nurture Them
Signs of Left-Handedness in Preschoolers
- Handedness Consistency:
- Mirror Writing:
- Tool Usage:
- Left Foot Dominance:
- Visual and Auditory Processing:
Left-handed preschoolers consistently use their left hand for activities requiring precision and coordination, such as drawing, writing, or using utensils.
Some left-handed children may exhibit mirror writing, where letters and numbers are written in reverse order. This is a common phenomenon among left-handed individuals as they navigate a predominantly right-handed writing system.
Left-handedness may manifest in the way preschoolers use tools. They may prefer using scissors, pencils, or other instruments with their left hand.
Observe foot dominance during activities like kicking a ball. Left-handed preschoolers may show a preference for using their left foot more frequently.
Research suggests that left-handed individuals may process visual and auditory stimuli differently. Observing how a preschooler responds to sensory stimuli can provide additional clues.
How To Confirm Left or Right-Handedness in Children
Confirming whether your child is left-handed or right-handed, often referred to as their “handedness,” is an important aspect of their development. Understanding and nurturing this aspect of their growth can be both fascinating and beneficial. Here’s how to go about it:
- Observation
- Provide Choices
- Engage in Activities
- Don’t Rush
- Nurturing Development
- For Left-Handed Children:
- For Right-Handed Children:
- Encourage Both Hands
- Avoid Labelling
- Consult Professionals
The simplest way to determine handedness is by observing which hand your child naturally prefers for various activities. Notice which hand they use to reach for toys, eat, or draw. Consistency in hand preference is a key indicator of handedness.
Give your child the opportunity to choose between hands. For instance, place objects in the centre of their body and see which hand they use to grab them. This can be done during play, meal times, or while colouring.
Engage your child in activities that require hand use, such as stacking blocks, opening jars, or using utensils. These activities can help them naturally demonstrate a preference.
It’s important to note that hand preference can become clear at different ages, typically around 3 to 4 years old. Avoid rushing or forcing a preference, as this can develop naturally over time.
Once you’ve determined your child’s handedness, you can help nurture their development.
Ensure they have access to left-handed tools, like scissors, or show them how to adapt to using right-handed tools comfortably. Be mindful of their positioning at the table, as they might need more elbow space on their left side.
The majority of tools and environments are designed for right-handed individuals, so they may require less adaptation. However, continue to provide them with opportunities to strengthen their hand skills.
Regardless of their dominant hand, encourage activities that use both hands. This can help in developing fine motor skills and coordination.
Avoid strictly labelling your child as left-handed or right-handed, especially at an early age. Flexibility in using both hands can be a valuable skill.
If you have concerns about your child’s motor development or handedness, consult with a paediatrician or occupational therapist. They can provide professional insights and guidance.
Also Read: Struggles of Left-Handed Children And How To Help Them In A Right Handed World
EuroSchool embraces their students’ emerging preferences and contributes to the holistic development of children, fostering confidence and competence as they engage with the world using their dominant hand—be it left or right.
