Early Hand Preference in Toddlers
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A study suggests those infants who use their right hand consistently to pick up toys would develop better language skills at age two. Those who develop hand preference when they’re toddlers are less likely to have better language skills. Early development of hand preference may not always stick.
Your toddler may not necessarily be right or left handed early on.There are a number of factors involved in trying to ascertain whether your toddler is right or left handed. How do you read the signs?
Is My Child Left Handed or Right Handed?
1. The Early Signs
Studies suggest that most people are right-handed.Most children show signs of hand preference when they turn four. Therefore, children will have a tendency to use one hand over the other hand depending on the task they are confronted with. It might not always have to do with age. Handedness development in toddlers may switch at a later age.
2. Tendencies
The preference to use the right hand or left hand is largely dependent on genetics. Studies suggest that your little one might have a preference to use his left hand more at an early age. When your toddler was in the fetus, he probably sucked on his right thumb more often than his left. In fact, newborns, when on their back, turn to their right more frequently. Scientist’s believe that most children grow up to be right-handed, in part because of these innate and early leanings. Hand preference in children depends on a number of factors, with age having a big role to play.
3. Assumptions
You might be of the opinion that the hand your toddler uses to throw or catch a ball is the dominant one. However, that might not be the case always. You need to observe what hand your toddler uses when he reaches out for items or when he eats something. If he stirs his drink counter-clockwise, he is most likely a left-hander. However, it would be better if your toddler develops dexterity and strength in one hand. It’s always better to have a hand that does a job well than have both hands doing the same thing in a mediocre way. If your toddler uses only hand all the time, consult a paediatrician for guidance. A baby showing hand preference should be monitored closely.
4. Dressing
One of the other ways to ascertain if your toddler is right or left handed is to notice him while he dresses up. The way he dresses could determine his future inclination. A potential left-handed toddler may automatically want to stand on his left leg first when putting his right leg through the pants. A right-handed toddler would do just the opposite. You might never know when children choose a dominant hand till a situation actually happens that displays the dominance.
There is no need to hanker over the issue. The best choice would be to allow him to use both hands during activities like eating, holding a cup or drawing. Let him choose the hand he wants to use more. Rather, a toddlers mixed hand preference could be a boon for him.
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