Using two hands instead of one?

[Nic04]

Can anyone tell me if there is anything significant about a child who sometimes uses both hands when scribbling, painting etc? (He's 4). I've only noticed this in the last few weeks, apparently last week at kindy he was painting with a paintbrush in each hand, and then today I noticed him stamping a piece of paper with a stamp in each hand (ink-pad type stamps). I wouldn't be concerned in the least except that I read somewhere that using both hands, or being ambidextrous, can signify some sort of developmental issue. Just wondering if anyone knows... thanks.

[LIZS]

ds didn't develop a strong hand dominance although appeared to be right handed (if that makes sense)in that he chooses to hold a pencil and write with his right. He has a motor development issue and one of its characteristics is that he would tend to use his right hand fro activites on his right and left for those on the left. Apparently his brain just hadn't developed the control to do otherwise yet. This is being worked on in Occupational Therapy sessions and we have seen an improvemnt in less than 6 months.

However it was identified when he was turning 6 and I'm not sure at what age it becomes a worry. dd is 3 and has had strong left hand dominance for a year or more but still uses her right to scribble etc if that is more convenient. So at your ds' age it may still be perfectly normal.

hth

[mieow]

My DD1, 4, is ambidextrous, she has CP, PVL and developmental delays, she has poor hand control and can't push on paper hard.
Not sure if its because she has problems anyway, or if she is just lazy and uses both hands.

[MrsBigD]

I'm 36 ambidexterous (not by choice as I was retrained from left to right when I started school in Austria!) Still use both hands now though.

dd who's nearly 3 had a preference for her left hand but started scribbling with her right hand, simply because all the kids she plays with are right handed. No developmental issues so far but if you are worried I'd recommend seeing a occupational therapist to ease your mind

[Nic04]

mieow, what is PVL? LizS, I am thinking of occupational therapy as well for my son as his fine motor skills do seem to be a bit weak, he avoids drawing or painting and doesn't use scissors very comfortably. In other ways he seems fine, but I want to at least know that he'll be ready for school. Am feeling guilty now that I haven't 'pushed' him a bit more with regard to drawing etc, but I just assumed he wasn't interested and would start doing it when he was ready. Doesn't seem to work that way, & now I'm wondering if there is some kind of developmental weakness.

[LIZS]

Nic04

ds wasn't keen on drawing and painting, crafts and playdoh and still isn't great with scissors. We think he is also a perfectionist and won't try until he thinks he can succeed. No amount of encouragement worked until he went to school. In spite of all this he has done ok at school so far but finds maths and writing hard and his attention wanders.

How are your ds' gross motor skills as ds has problems in that area too. He finds physical and hand/eye coordination and sequencing difficult. His OT is working with him on all these and has a very positive effect.

[coppertop]

My ds1 is 4yrs old and still ambidextrous. This may be because he tended to avoid using his hands when he was younger and he's catching up or it may just be that he hasn't 'decided' yet. IIRC some children don't decide until they are a little older.

[mieow]

Its just a fancy name for the damage that is seen in her MRI scan. She has damage around the verticals in the brain, and its very commonally seen with children with Spastic diplegia CP.

[Posey]

Dd was always like this, equally able to use both hands, although since the age of about 4 (she's now 7) she started using her right hand more. Don't know if there's any genetic thing about it. I'm right handed but can use my left quite well and when I was nursing, often used my left if it was more convenient (for example removing awkward stitches)