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In today’s episode we dive into WHY we believe, and why research shows, that establishing hand dominance is vital to success with a variety of daily activities.
We also talk about what it looks like if a child is struggling to establish hand dominance and of course, we give you our favorite tips and tricks to help!
Stick around to the end to listen to us answer two listener questions!
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Fine Motor Skills Activity Course
Research Article on Grip Strength from PubMed
Research Article on Grip Strength from AJOT
Research Article on Handedness and Developmental Coordination Disorder
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
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Episode 38 - Sensory + Feeding
Episode 54 - Messy Play All Day
Episode 93 - Self-Injurious Behavior with Danielle
As occupational therapy practitioners—and as parents—it’s common to see children who haven’t yet established hand dominance. Some may switch hands during handwriting or struggle with daily tasks that require coordination and strength.
While ambidexterity might seem like a superpower, inconsistent hand dominance can actually create challenges in a child’s development. Let’s explore why hand dominance matters, how to identify concerns, and most importantly, what you can do to support your child.
Hand dominance refers to the consistent use of one hand over the other to perform fine motor tasks. Most people develop a clear preference for either the right or left hand by early childhood.
This preferred hand becomes the “dominant” one for tasks like writing, eating, and brushing teeth, while the opposite hand supports and stabilizes.
A consistent dominant hand allows children to build strength, coordination, and motor planning skills. Without this consistency, tasks like handwriting, self-feeding, and dressing can become unnecessarily difficult and frustrating.
Improved fine motor coordination – Strengthens neural pathways for efficient motor skills.
Increased strength and endurance – Reduces fatigue by relying on one stronger hand.
Better bilateral coordination – Enhances two-handed tasks like cutting or tying shoes.
Academic success and independence – Supports tasks at school and at home.
While a hand preference can appear as early as age 2, most children develop consistent dominance between 4 and 6 years old. It’s important not to rush this process but to observe for consistency, especially as they begin writing tasks in school.
OT Insight: If a child is still switching hands frequently for writing or self-care by age 6 or 7, it’s worth discussing concerns with an occupational therapist.
Rolling or crawling to one side only.
Neglecting one hand during play.
Not passing toys between hands.
Avoiding midline play (e.g., clapping, reaching across the body).
Switching hands during tasks like cutting or writing.
Difficulty mastering fine motor skills despite repetition.
Not stabilizing the paper with the opposite hand.
Fatigue or frustration during motor tasks.
Struggles with left/right awareness past age 6.
Avoidance of midline crossing (turning the body instead of reaching across).
Several factors can impact how and when hand dominance develops:
Sensory processing challenges.
Weak core or shoulder stability.
Retained primitive reflexes (such as ATNR).
Limited bilateral play opportunities.
Neurological or developmental differences (e.g., autism, ADHD).
You can help support your child’s development with intentional, play-based activities that strengthen both sides of the body and promote dominant hand use.
Animal walks (bear, crab).
Theraband resistance exercises.
Theraputty or putty games.
Carrying heavy objects like laundry baskets.
Cutting and crafting.
Lacing and bead threading.
Tug-of-war or rope pulling.
Rock climbing or scooter board play.
Simon Says with left/right movements.
Tap opposite shoulders, knees, or feet.
Dance routines that require arm crossovers.
Wall-based arrow direction games.
Place tools (spoons, pencils) at midline.
Gently encourage completing tasks with the same hand.
Observe which hand is used naturally and build on that preference.
Twister®.
Directional card games.
DIY arrow charts.
“Left, Right, Center” with non-monetary items.
If your child is past age 6 and still doesn’t show a clear hand preference—or is showing signs of weakness, poor coordination, or frustration—consider reaching out to an occupational therapist for an evaluation. Early support can improve confidence, independence, and academic success.
Developing hand dominance is a natural part of child development, but for some, it takes longer or requires a little extra support. With the right activities, awareness, and environment, you can help your child build strength, consistency, and confidence.
Remember, hand dominance is just one piece of the developmental puzzle.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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Tenora Watt
March 01, 2022
Hey ladies really enjoy your podcast and turn others on to it all the time. I’m a COTA practicing school based OT in Hawaii. I always think that when I turn on your podcast, it’s like chatting with girlfriends.
So this episode about hand dominance, I wanted to share that ambidextrous is the ability to complete tasks at the same skill level with both right and left hands. When a person writes with one hand and then throws with the other, that is referred to as mixed dominance. I been in plenty of meetings where parents are so excited that their child uses both hand and have had to explain the differences.
Keep doing what you’re doing. You both are fabulous!
Aloha and Mahalo
Tenora