Got a little lefty? Congratulations! Your baby might be a mathematical genius. Or a future footballer. Or, she might just be really really good at voicing her opinion and getting her own way.
According to several studies, left-handed kiddies excel in a number of different ways, including in school, in sport and in the fine art of throwing epic tantrums.
Researchers have often suggested that there is something special about the 10% of people who prefer to use the left hand. Albert Einstein, Barack Obama, Leonardo da Vinci, Aristotle, Julius Caesar, Charles Darwin, Michelangelo, Rubens, Benjamin Britten, Kurt Cobain, Paul McCartney, Rod Laver, Allan Border, Nicole Kidman – all lefties.
So, if your child is left-handed, she is in good company.
Little left-handed mathletes and athletes
One study confirms that left-handers outperformed the rest of the sample in problem solving and demanding mathematical tasks.
Another study found that left-handed people process information slightly faster than right-handed people. The American Journal of Psychology also notes that left handed kids are better at divergent thinking (brainstorming).
What about sport? While left-handers are not naturally better at sport than right-handers, favouring your south paw comes with advantages in a number of different sports, including boxing, tennis and baseball. Rafael Nadal became a left-handed player because his coach thought it would give him a competitive edge.
Left hand, extra emotion
But it’s not all good news for parents with left-handed little ones. When it comes to dealing with emotions, right handers have the advantage. Left-handers are more likely to get upset compared to right-handers and have a harder time processing their feelings.
Cue the major meltdown in Aisle 3.
Looking for more interesting facts about your little one? Check out this incredible video which shows how babies REALLY see the world around them. It’s an eye opener!
1 Comment
Mum was told I was told by a paediatrician that I was naturally left handed when I was less than 12 months old. He tested me by putting a toy in various places, No matter where he put it I reached for it with my left hand. He told Mum I was never to be changed. Different story when I started to school and got my hand slapped hard with a ruler until it was bright red. Mum had an argument with the School Principal.
According to her there was no such thing as left handed and a relative of hers was a boss in the Education Dept. Mum gave her the name of the Paediatrician and told her to ring him for information.
I wasn’t hit after that and did a lot better at school. I’m not sure I excel at the lists above, except I can boast about my ability at netball. With a lot of practise sessions I could shoot a goal from just about any “spot” within the goal circle. I was shy and got upset easily sometimes