Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

There are many theories on why children turn out to be left handed, even if both parents are not.

Some say it’s because of ‘genes’ and genetic factors, others say its ‘gender’ as slightly more boys are left handed whilst some say it could be ‘fetal development’ and ‘environmental factors‘ in the womb.

There have been some researchers that have thought that it may be caused from ‘modelling’ and copying parents or even because of ‘brain damage‘ (despite this being a controversial theory). However, none these theories have been proven by studies and research.

Despite over 150 years of study, researchers are unable to identify why around 10 percent of our population are left handed and what leads someone to favour left over right.

For parents of left handed children that may have concerns here are some pointers that could help. 

  • Remember that your child is different but praise special traits and qualities.

Being left handed means that the right side of the brain of the child is more dominant than his left. This means that they are likely to be more intuitive, emotive, imaginative and creative.  They are also more inclined to think out of the box and are stronger at holistic thinking.

There have also been studies that found that lefties with college educations earned 15 percent more than their fellow right-handed alumni.

Lefties are also known for the knack at problem solving. So, praise your child for having these qualities and that being a leftie is not bad but a good thing. Let your child see the difference positively.

 

  • Let your child know he is special and that there are people who have contribution to society and history who were left handed.

Let your child know of famous left-handed people who are successful and name drop some of them. Prince William, Justin Bieber, and Mark Zuckerberg are all left handed.

If your child is old enough for a history lesson it’s worth noting other amazing innovative performers, scientists, athletes, and musicians who were left-handed include Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Benjamin Franklin, Buzz Aldrin, Judy Garland, Jim Henson and Jimi Hendrix. Powerhouses Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey are lefties too. 

Little girl drawing with pencil at home.

  • Reorient your child

Reorienting your child and not thinking in terms of right and left, right and wrong, correct or incorrect will ease your child’s ability to adapt and thrive. Teach correct placement so that right handed things like doors would not get on his way.

  • Let her/him practice writing

The goal of letting your leftie practice writing is for him to have legible handwriting and be comfortable at doing it. The goal is confidence and comfort, and not to struggle.

The tri-grip is most effective for lefties, with the pencil resting comfortably in the triangle of the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger, about 1, or little bit more, inches above the tip of the pencil. It was found to be most optimal for control and pressure.  

  • Let her/him enjoy sports

Let your child play the sports he enjoys. Letting your child find his favorite game could be of great value to his development as a sporty individual. There are so many sports that value lefties like in aussie rules, baseball, basketball, boxing and even tennis. They usually take right handed players by surprise because most players aren’t used at playing with left handed ones.

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