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It may be possible to see which hand your child prefers as early as 6 to 9 months although they may not consistently favour one hand until they are two or three years old. Some children can be ambidextrous up to the age of 6 so don’t worry if their dominant hand still isn’t clear. It’s important not to force them to use one side more than the other as this may impede their future development.Discuss your child's left-handedness with his/her teacher early in the year and explain what you have been doing to help your child. That way, the teacher can continue with the great work you have been doing at home. Real Review: “My kids love these. I remember having them in the first grade so I now have them for my first grade class! I have to count them each time I pass them out so I know they’re all there.” Meet with the school psychologist. Some are trained in testing for learning disabilities, and if your child goes to a public school, this testing may be free.

The rare sidewriting style keeps the hand in line with the writing. People who use this style push the nib across the paper more than those who underwrite or overwrite, so it has the most potential for paper snags as well as ink smears. Because we write from left to right, right handers pull the pencil, writing away from their body while left handers have to push the pencil, writing towards their body. Teaching left handed people to write the same way as right handed people can make handwriting slow, uncomfortable and messy. This can be a hindrance throughout adult life if not taught correctly as a child.Real Review: “I bought these to help a couple of my kindergarten students to remember spaces between their words. It is very helpful to them for that as well as keeping them on the lines! I love them and would get them again!” Real Review: “My 9 year old son has dysgraphia and he dreads writing. I dread reading it. The difference with his handwriting is night and day with these pencils. They fit well in his hand and helps make his writing more legible. We still have issues with spacing and sizing, but we can practice now. Great product!” Often, kids naturally outgrow gripping and handwriting issues. But, sometimes trouble with writing signals an underlying condition like ADHD or dyspraxia. If you’re concerned, you can find help here: Real Review: “Bought these for my son who has ADHD, ODD, dyslexia, and SPD. Before these weights we could barely read his writing, but now what a difference! To me it looks like they help him concentrate more on what he’s writing and he seems to take his time which means less mistakes.”

It is built into our genetic makeup. You and your partner created your little left-hander. Even if you are both right-handed, a lefty can be born into the household. We have heard of one right-handed couple where 3 out of their 3 children are lefties!

How we tested

Why We Like It: As kids learn correct grip, they can switch to an aid like this one. It reinforces the proper grip but offers a little more freedom. Why We Like It: Some kids may be reluctant to use pencil grips because they don’t want to look different from other kids. This cute style feels more like a reward instead.

Real Review: “I absolutely love this product! My child has Autism and really struggles with his fine motor skills. This product has worked wonders in helping him hold his pencil properly and I couldn’t be more excited about how much he’s improved since he started using this!” The tripod grip that is taught in school instructs children to hold the pencil with their index finger and thumb, resting it on the middle finger. Whilst this is relatively easy for right handed children, left handers can find it more difficult. Encouraging left handed children to use the tripod grip can help to prevent them hooking their hand when writing as it strengthens the wrist and aids dynamic finger movements. This will make it easier to control the pen as they get older. The Write it LEFT is more than just a Pencil Grip – It’s a unique skill trainer. The Write It Left Pencil Grip is designed to aid correct pencil grip development. It encourages the fingers to form the tripod grasp, which is considered to be the most effective grasp for handwriting activities. Why We Like It: Fingers can help kids remember proper spacing… two fingers for larger writing, one for smaller. This set of translucent guides is easy to slide along as you write, keeping spacing consistent. Real Review: “My son is in 4th grade and was struggling with good penmanship. Most of his stuff you couldn’t read. Not sure how his teacher graded half his papers! We got him these pencil grips and it has helped TREMENDOUSLY!”Your child may not develop a three finger tripod pencil grip until they are 5 - 6 years old. This is considered the most appropriate pencil grip, for right and left-handed writers, as it allows the fingers and wrist to work together to provide a more free flowing movement. All it means is that the child's right side of the brain is more dominant than the left, especially in motor control (muscle movement and co-ordination). A lefty will naturally go to do a task with his/her left hand. They can often do it with their right hand, but with a huge amount of effort, concentration and training. Some just can't - they have to use their left hand. Many left-handers are labelled as being awkward, through no fault of their own - they are just trying to do what their body says is natural, but the tools they are using don't suit. And if your child goes to Day Care or Preschool, ask them to provide the same left-handed items you use at home. This will keep consistency and help build your child's confidence immensely. Primary School Years (5-12). Why We Like It: Older kids who like the feel of weighted pencils will appreciate this weighted pen. The wider barrel makes it easier to hold, too.