Have you noticed that your little one doesn’t have a preferred hand when it comes to writing? Do you see them switching from one hand to another when they are coloring? Most children naturally gravitate toward using one hand predominantly, which is often referred to as being left-handed or right-handed. However, some children display the interesting characteristic of using both hands interchangeably for writing and other fine motor activities. This intriguing phenomenon, known as ambidexterity or mixed-handedness, raises questions about the factors influencing this behavior and the implications it may have on a child’s cognitive and motor development (1).
In this article, we’ll delve into what it means if your child uses both hands to write. Read on to know more!
1. Their Moods Can Be Influenced More Than Other Kids
People who exhibit mixed-handedness or “inconsistent-handers” often display a remarkable adaptability to their surroundings, as observed in a study where both ambidextrous and right-handed individuals were asked to contemplate various emotions while listening to classical music (2).
The findings revealed that ambidextrous participants were more prone to shifting their emotional states, transitioning from one feeling to another as the experiment unfolded. This responsiveness to the environment underscores the capacity to be attuned and aware of external influences, which, in itself, can be a positive trait, facilitating a better understanding of the world around us.
2. They Can Quite Literally See Things In A Different Way
A lot of research has shown that many ambidextrous individuals can learn and see things differently due to synesthesia (3). This is a condition where people have interlinked senses. That means that they might be able to see different colors while listening to different kinds of music or taste different flavors while looking at colors. Isn’t that amazing? It’s like one sense triggers the other. This may be a little confusing for your little one to navigate at first but once they do, a whole new world is open to them. For example, they might only see the color purple while doing math or smell caramel before someone familiar touches them.
3. They Are Good At Art, Music And Sports
Kids who are born with ambidexterity are known for being good at art, music and sports (4). So, if you spy your little one gravitating towards a certain sport or a specific instrument, encourage them. It’s important to keep an eye out and develop these skills. There are many famous artists, musicians, actors and sportsmen who are ambidextrous.
4. They Can Get Distracted Easily
This trait isn’t all that uncommon. Most children have the attention span of a goldfish. They are curious about everything and therefore, can’t sit still for anything. And although the diagnosis of ADHD amongst the masses is getting more and more common, a study has found that children that are ambidextrous are more likely to develop ADHD and have more difficulty concentrating (5). Make sure you pay close attention to your child’s activities and behavior so that they can receive proper treatment and support from an early stage. This will help your child in the long run as it will garner better results in different aspects of their lives.
5. They Can Learn Faster And The Other Kids
Isn’t it wonderful that extensive research has been conducted on ambidextrous individuals? Another research study suggests that ambidextrous children have the advantage of accelerated learning and demonstrate greater versatility, open-mindedness, and efficiency compared to their peers (6). This advantage stems from the absence of a dominant hemisphere in their brains, allowing them to engage both the right and left hemispheres more evenly. You might just have a little genius on your hands!
Ambidextrous children possess a rare and fascinating trait that sets them apart from their peers. This unique ability is often attributed to a more balanced distribution of tasks between the two hemispheres of their brain.
Ambidexterity can open doors to various opportunities as these children tend to be more versatile, adaptable, and open-minded. While it may come with occasional challenges, such as switching between handedness or handwriting techniques, ambidextrous children have a distinct advantage in their approach to tasks, making them resilient learners and creative problem solvers.
Discovering your child scribbling with a pencil grasped in both hands might initially raise concerns for parents, but there’s truly no need for alarm. Having an ambidextrous child is not a cause for worry; instead, it’s an opportunity to embrace unique characteristics that may accompany this trait. Your child’s future is indeed bright, brimming with numerous possibilities and the distinct advantage of being ambidextrous. So, provide them with unwavering support as they grow and gracefully navigate the advantages and occasional challenges that come with this remarkable trait!