How To Teach Your Left-Handed Child To Write

As soon as children start developing motor skills, at around the age of 3, they start showing preferences for a dominant hand. By the age of 5 or 6, your child’s hand preference becomes completely clear. If you see your child show preference for using the left hand, relax! There is absolutely no difference between a right-handed child and a left-handed child, so treat them the same. You can take a look at these tips on how to teach your left-handed child to write.

Why are some children left-handed?

About 10% of the total population is left-handed. There are a number of theories for why some children might be left-handed though there is no conclusive proof. The reasons can be:

#1. Genes

A single gene could be passed on from parent to child to influence his hand use preferences. However, this is not conclusive. It is completely possible for 2 left-handed parents to have a right-handed child or two right-handed parents having a left-handed child. Also read: 9 tips on how to teach your child write

#2. Sex

More boys are left-handed than girls. There is some research that suggests that the male hormone testosterone influences right and left-handedness.

#3. Brain damage

Some researchers suggest that all human beings are supposed to be right-handed, but some type of brain damage early in life causes left-handedness. However, this theory is not conclusive without hard evidence to support it.

#4. Adjustment

Some people who are naturally right-handed become left-handed because of the need to adjust to injury.

How To Teach Your Left-Handed Child To Write 

The most important significant area of concern for parents of left-handed children is when they begin to write. Other than supporting your child and helping them practice writing, there are a number of steps you can take to teach your left-handed child to write.

#1. Inform the teachers

Once it is clear that your child is left-handed, inform the teaching staff at school so that they do not force the child to switch preferences to the right hand. This would only put pressure on the child and make him feel different from his peers. The teachers at school should continue to guide him in just the same way they would guide a right-handed child. Also read: Most Recommended Games for Improving Hand Eye Coordination in Children

#2. Pencil grip

This is most important. The way they grip the pencil at around the age of 6-7 years, is the kind of grip most likely to stay with them for life. Help him hold the pencil about half an inch above the tip so he can see what he is writing. Left-handed children have a tendency to “hook grasp” the pencil I.e. hold it in a way that curves the wrist inwards. You could carve a notch in the pencil or use a pencil grip to help tech them hold the pencil properly.

#3. Paper placement

Left-handed children find it very difficult to write on a paper which is placed vertically in front of them. You can help them by teaching them to tilt the paper away from their body, towards their right so that they can write smoothly without their writing getting smudged.

#4. Computer

Once your child moves from pen and paper to the computer, take advantage of all the advancements in technology. using a computer becomes much easier for a left-handed child once you invest in a left-handed mouse.

#5. Build dexterity

Help your left-handed child develop the same kind of dexterity with his left hand as you have in your right. Tying laces can be particularly challenging for left-handed children. Demonstrate how in front of a mirror and have them mimic your actions. Also read: 9 Must-Have Picture Books For Your Preschooler

#6. Stay abreast

The markets are now filled with beautifully designed products catered to make life easier for left-handed people. From school essentials like left-handed notebooks, scissors, and pens, to objects like can openers or sports equipment, there are plenty of products designed specifically for left-handed people. It’s worth the money to ease your child’s frustration. Your left-handed child is no different from your right-handed one, so, do not make them feel any different or treats them differently. Make sure to also not force them to switch preferences to their right-hand. A left-handed child is everything a right-handed child is. If these tips on how to teach your left-handed child to write come of use to you, please do share your thoughts with us. Also read: 15 Short Moral Stories For Kids Want to share your experience as a mom with other moms through words or images? Become a part of the Moms United community. Click here and we will get in touch with you

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