In the past, left-handed children would be forced to learn and use their right hand. Nowadays, left-handed children are more accepted and not forced to use their right hand.
Find out what causes children to become left-handed and tips for nurturing a left-handed individual.
Cause of left-handed
There has been no research that proves a genetic link to left-handedness, but scientists have concluded several causes of left-handedness include:
Genetic Factor
Genetics could play a role in determining whether a child is right or left-handed. While there isn't conclusive research confirming this, a single gene passed from parent to child might have an impact on the child's dominant hand preference.
Gender
According to research, Males tend to be left-handed more often than girls because of a hormone called testosterone.
Environmental factor
Environmental influences within the womb, such as hormonal exposure, shape fetal development and can impact the preference for either the right or left hand in later stages of life.
Imitating adults
Children predominantly use their right or left hand because they imitate their parents or caregivers.
Brain Damage
Some researchers suggest that some type of brain damage early in life causes left-handedness. Notably, more research is needed on this.
Does left-handedness affect learning ability?
Parents express a lot of concern when their child exhibits left-handedness. Left-handed dominance is feared to affect learning ability or other health issues. However, left-handedness is actually a normal part of child development.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology found that 150 left-handed subjects may perform better on intelligence tests than those who are right-handed. Another study showed that left-handed people have superior language skills.
Having a left-handed child
Having a left-handed child is certainly not easy. Parents must be able to always accompany and guide them so that they can still carry out activities well and overcome the emotional problems they experience.
In addition, some of the following tips may help:
- Do not hesitate to talk to your child about feelings and problems they may be experiencing. Be sure to listen well and provide emotional support
- Learn everything about left-handedness and how to help and provide the right support to understand your child's feelings
- Don't be embarrassed to open up about your child's left-hand dominance to others. Talk to an experienced therapist about this if you need help
- Focus on the child's positive development and praise them for the changes they make
As a parent, it is important to remember that left-handedness is a complex issue and can cause emotional problems in a child. Therefore, professional support and assistance are essential to helping your child overcome this issue.
If you have a problem with a left-handed child and need to consult with an expert, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
Better Health Channel. Left-handedness. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/left-handedness#causes-of-left-handedness
Ann Logsdon (2021). Is Left-Handedness a Sign of a Learning Disability?. Available from: https://www.verywellfamily.com/understanding-left-handedness-myths-and-facts-2162237
WebMD (2021). Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-left-handed-vs-right
Julie Marks (2021). Are Left-Handed People Smarter?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/are-left-handed-people-smarter
Medline Plus (2022). Is handedness determined by genetics?. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/handedness/