Guide For Left-Handed Kids

If you have a child who is left handed, then you may wonder sometimes if he or she will have a harder time in school or life. Although there is no difference between left-handed and right-handed people other then their dominant hand, there will be some situations in which a left-handed kid will have to adapt or learn to do something differently because he lives in a right-handed world.

Hand dominance is determined in the fetal stage prior to birth. Many think that if there is a left-handed parent in the family that there is an increased chance an offspring will be, too. Studies show that having one parent who is left handed increases the chance of the child being the same by 19%. Kids who are left handed tend not to realize this difference, however, until they start attending school. Chances are they are the only person in their class who is left handed. Although it’s unlikely that lefties will be bullied or made fun of because of the hand they use, it is natural for kids to feel out of place or different.

It is important to explain to your child that there is nothing abnormal with her being left handed and that she should consider it a gift. Studies show that left-handed individuals tend to be more logical and successful in politics. Kids who are left handed also often test out as highly creative and have high verbal and math abilities. There are no negative effects from being left handed, and many excel in sports and art.

The biggest obstacle for a left-handed kid is adjusting to a right-handed world. The toughest thing for a kid to learn with his left hand is how to write. Since left-handed people write over their words, it is common for the written word to be smudged by their hand. If you are a left-handed adult, then you can help them with some of the techniques you have taught yourself. If there are no left-handed parents in the family, there are a number of books available to help teach a leftie how to write.

Luckily for kids who are left handed in today’s world, there are plenty of things now designed for them. For a child going to school, you will want to make sure he is supplied with the correct items to be productive in his school work. Pens, pencils, scissors and notepads are now made for left-handed individuals. If your child chooses to participate in a sport that involves swinging, then there is no need to worry because you can now buy baseball gloves, golf clubs and tennis racquets all designed for lefties.

Your child is a gift no matter what hand they use. If it does, however, turn out that your kid is left handed, then you now know that she will have no problem adjusting in this world. With all the tools available to her, she will be just as productive and comfortable as a right hander in society.