Some parents may be concerned about their child’s handedness, whether they are left-handed or right-handed, and worry if this affects their development. Dr. Nicha Limtrakul, a pediatrician specializing in child development and behavior at Phyathai 2 Hospital, will provide answers to help ease parents’ concerns.
How to know which hand your child prefers
You can observe your child’s handedness through their daily activities, such as noticing which hand they prefer to use when picking up objects, playing (e.g., which hand they use to throw a ball), or using scissors to cut paper. The clear observation period is usually around 3 years old and above because younger children tend to use both hands, making it harder for parents to observe.
Factors affecting your child’s handedness
Several factors influence a child’s handedness, such as genetics and other environmental factors. Genetics relate to the brain’s control centers; for example, some children have a dominant left brain hemisphere, which may result in right-handedness, while a dominant right brain hemisphere may lead to left-handedness. However, there is no definitive scientific evidence confirming this.
Can you change your child’s preferred hand?
Parents concerned about their child’s handedness can attempt to change it, but this does not always benefit the child. Sometimes, changing a child’s handedness behavior may disrupt their development or limit brain function. However, parents can modify handedness behavior if they observe it early, especially during the first year of life when the brain is still developing, as changes are more effective during this period.
Does handedness affect your child’s development?
There is no clear scientific consensus on whether handedness affects development. However, some studies suggest that hand preference may be related to language and intellectual development. If a child chooses a preferred hand too early, especially within the first year, it may cause developmental issues such as muscle development problems.
Research shows that the relationship between the brain and handedness can indicate a child’s abilities. For example, left-handedness, controlled by the right brain hemisphere, may be associated with imagination and artistic skills, while right-handedness, controlled by the left brain hemisphere, may relate to thinking, logic, and reasoning. However, this is not always definitive.
What to do if your child is left-handed
Being left-handed is not an indicator of a child’s success in life. A child’s handedness should not be forced to change. Sometimes it can be adjusted, but other times it cannot, and forcing a change may reduce their potential. Therefore, parents should allow their child to fully use their abilities. Factors affecting development also include external stimulation such as environment, society, and developmental activities. Handedness does not necessarily affect the speed of a child’s development.
Child and Adolescent Health Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital, Building B, 2nd Floor
Opening Hours
Open daily from 06:30 – 20:00 (Services at Building B, 2nd Floor)
and 20:00 – 22:00 (Services at Building A, 1st Floor)
Phone Number
02-617-2444 ext. 3219, 3220
