Frequency of Genetic Transmission of Left-handedness Discussed by Russians
News Article: Embracing Left-Handedness: Dr. Elizabeth Svirina's Advice for Parents and Educators
In a recent interview with Gazeta.Ru, Dr. Elizabeth Svirina, a neurologist and pediatrician at the "Be Healthy" children's clinic, highlighted the unique challenges faced by left-handed children in a predominantly right-handed world.
Dr. Svirina emphasised that left-handed children may experience difficulties with fine motor skills, coordination, and social adjustment due to the design of tools and environments catering primarily to right-handed users. To support left-handed children effectively, she recommended several strategies:
- Providing left-handed tools: Offering left-handed items such as scissors, pens, and desks can enhance comfort and ease of use for these children.
- Encouraging natural hand preference: Instead of forcing a switch to right-handedness, Dr. Svirina advises nurturing the child's natural hand preference to promote comfort and confidence.
- Tailored guidance: Offering tailored guidance in handwriting and motor skills development, recognising the different hand positioning and movements, can help left-handed children excel.
- Creating an inclusive environment: Establishing an environment that normalises left-handedness can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem.
- Educating teachers and caregivers: Ensuring that educators and caregivers understand left-handedness can guarantee appropriate support in educational settings.
According to Dr. Svirina, retraining a left-hander is not only ineffective but can also increase stress and worsen the child's condition. She also mentioned that in certain developmental peculiarities, left-handedness can be acquired. In such cases, supporting the development of interhemispheric connections through the guidance of a neuro-psychologist can be beneficial.
However, Dr. Svirina did not specify the sources of the studies she referred to or the exact nature of the "developmental peculiarities" that can lead to acquired left-handedness. She also stated that many try to correct left-handedness by teaching the child to use their right hand, which she considers a mistake.
In conclusion, Dr. Svirina's comments underscore the importance of understanding and accommodating left-handedness in children to promote smoother developmental progress and a positive self-identity.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial to consider mental health when promoting a positive environment for left-handed children. The unique challenges they face may also impact their mental health, given the stress and strain that comes from using tools designed for right-handed users. Thus, fostering an inclusive environment that includes fitness-and-exercise routines catering to left-handed children can bolster their overall well-being and self-esteem.
