10 right ways to help your left-handed child

Have you ever met a left-handed child? Perhaps your child is a lefty! Left-handedness is relatively rare, with only about 10% of the population being left-handed. However, being left-handed is not just a quirky trait, but rather an important aspect of a child’s development and learning style.

Contrary to some belief, left-handedness is not a choice. It is, in fact, determined by genetics, with left-handedness being more common in families where there are already left-handed individuals. This is because left-handedness is often linked to a gene called LRRTM1, which is passed down from parent to child.

Despite being a natural trait, left-handedness has often been viewed as a disadvantage. Historically, left-handed children were forced to write with their right hand or were punished for using their left hand. This has led to some negative perceptions of left-handedness, with people associating it with clumsiness or a lack of intelligence.

However, research has shown that left-handed children actually have many unique advantages. For example, left-handed individuals tend to be more creative and imaginative, as the right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for creativity, is more dominant in left-handed people. Lefties are also better at multitasking, as their brain has to work harder to coordinate tasks between both hemispheres.

In terms of academic performance, left-handed children may face some challenges due to the design of school materials. For example, most desks and scissors are designed for right-handed individuals, making it more difficult for left-handed children to use them. However, with accommodations and support from teachers and parents, left-handed children can overcome these obstacles and excel academically.

One interesting fact about left-handedness is that it tends to run in families with a higher incidence of autoimmune disorders such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune thyroid disease. Researchers have not yet fully understood why this is, but some theories suggest that left-handedness may be linked to a weaker immune system.

How to help your left-handed child

If you have a left-handed child in your life, there are many ways you can support and encourage them. Here are 10 ways:

1. Provide left-handed tools: Most everyday items are designed for right-handed people, including scissors, pencils, and can openers. Providing left-handed tools will make daily tasks easier for your left-handed child.
2. Teach them how to write: Left-handed children may have difficulty with writing due to the way their hand moves across the page. Encourage them to hold the pen or pencil correctly and try different grips until they find one that feels comfortable.
3. Allow them to mirror you: When teaching your child how to do something, such as tying their shoes or using a utensil, allow them to mirror your movements. This will help them learn more easily as they will not have to translate the movement from right to left.
4. Make accommodations in the classroom: Talk to your child’s teacher about making accommodations for left-handed children, such as providing left-handed desks or allowing them to sit on the left side of the classroom.
5. Encourage creativity: Left-handed people tend to be more creative, so encourage your child to explore their artistic side through drawing, painting, or other creative outlets.
6. Emphasise their strengths: Left-handed people have unique strengths and abilities, such as being better at multitasking and problem-solving. Emphasise these strengths to boost your child’s confidence.
7. Help them navigate right-handed tasks: Left-handed children may struggle with tasks that are designed for right-handed people, such as using a computer mouse or playing certain sports. Help them navigate these tasks by providing guidance and encouragement.
8. Avoid negative stereotypes: Some people have negative stereotypes about left-handed people, such as being clumsy or less intelligent. Avoid reinforcing these stereotypes and instead focus on your child’s unique strengths and abilities.
9. Encourage left-handed sports: Some sports are easier for left-handed people, such as boxing, fencing, or baseball. Encourage your child to try these sports to help them excel in areas where their left-handedness is an advantage.
10. Provide a supportive environment: Most importantly, provide a supportive environment for your left-handed child. Let them know that their left-handedness is not a disadvantage, but rather a unique trait to be celebrated. Encourage them to be proud of who they are and embrace their left-handedness.