Many parents notice their child using either hand for different tasks well past the age when their friends seem to have 'picked a side' -- and wonder whether this is just normal variation or something worth checking.
When Hand Dominance Usually Develops
Most children begin to show a consistent hand preference somewhere between the ages of two and four, though the exact timing varies from child to child, and some switch hands occasionally even after a preference starts to emerge.
When It May Be Worth a Closer Look
If a child is still frequently switching hands for the same task -- such as writing or using scissors -- beyond around age five or six, or if switching seems linked to one side feeling noticeably weaker or less coordinated, it can be worth discussing with an occupational therapist.
What an Assessment Looks At
Dr. Charu Arora, Senior Occupational Therapist, notes that an occupational therapy assessment looks beyond hand preference alone, checking overall fine motor coordination, grip and bilateral hand use, since an unsettled preference is sometimes linked to broader fine motor development.
Getting an Assessment
If you'd like your child's hand preference and fine motor skills assessed, Call 9990555423 or 8796958310, or message us on WhatsApp, to arrange a consultation.