PERTH · FACE TO FACE AND ONLINE
Mixed Dominance in Children
Mixed dominance, sometimes called cross dominance, describes a pattern where a child’s preferred hand, foot, eye or ear varies depending on the task. For example, a child might write with their right hand but kick a ball with their left foot. This is a normal variation and does not automatically indicate a problem. However, if a child is also experiencing difficulties with handwriting, coordination, reading or tasks that require both sides of the body to work together, it may be worth exploring their underlying developmental skills.
Developing efficient movement and coordination involves the brain integrating information from both sides of the body, alongside visual processing, motor planning and postural control. Through my work, I explore these foundations, including how a child uses their dominant side, crosses the midline and coordinates their movements. Where difficulties are present, targeted activities may help support greater coordination, control and confidence.
Have you noticed your child switching hands, struggling to cross the midline or finding coordination challenging?
Let’s explore their movement patterns and identify whether additional support could help. Get in touch to book an appointment.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. This page explains what side dominance is, what mixed dominance can look like, and why I check it.
What is side dominance?
The brain is made of two sides, the left and the right. The right side controls the left side of the body, and the left side controls the right. People usually have a dominance of one side, and this can change between activities.
Side dominance is simply which hand, foot, eye and ear a child prefers to lead with. When a child’s preferred hand, foot, eye or ear varies depending on the task, it is called mixed dominance or cross dominance.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
What mixed dominance can look like
Swapping hands in the middle of a task, such as drawing or cutting
Mixed hand preference after the age you would expect one hand to lead
Writing with one hand but throwing or kicking with the other side
Difficulty crossing the midline, for example reaching across the body
Trouble with hand-eye coordination, such as catching or hitting a ball
Every child is different, and plenty of children with mixed dominance have no trouble at all. If several of these sound familiar, an assessment can show what is going on.
Why both sides of the brain matter
When the brain is working at its best, a person can move easily between both sides as needed. Under stress that is harder. One side can become more dominant and the other may switch off, which can show up as trouble with organisation, order, communication or expression.
One of the reflexes I check alongside dominance is the ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex). When it is retained, it can make handwriting, reading and crossing the midline harder.
AT HOME
Simple things to try at home
- Crawling games, tunnels and animal walks, which use both sides of the body together
- Cross-body games: touching a hand to the opposite knee, or marching on the spot to music
- Drawing big shapes on a vertical surface like a whiteboard or a window
- Ball games that involve tracking with the eyes and reaching across the body
- Let your child choose which hand to use. There is no need to push one side
When it is worth getting it checked
If your child is still swapping hands once they are at school, or handwriting or reading is causing real frustration, talk to your child’s teacher, and check in with your GP if you have concerns about vision or development. An eye test is always worth doing when a child is struggling to read. My work is movement based and sits alongside that support, not instead of it.
WORKING WITH ME
How I can help
In an initial appointment I assess which primitive reflexes are still active, along with brain and body organisation and side dominance. We then work through simple, playful movements in weekly sessions, with “home play” in between. You can see the full process and prices on my services page.
I often combine reflex integration with Brain Gym®, which uses simple movements to help both sides of the brain work together.
READ MORE
Related challenges
ATNR reflex: When the ATNR remains active beyond infancy, it may affect a child’s ability to cross the midline, coordinate both sides of their body and develop efficient hand movements. This can make handwriting, reading, copying from the board and everyday coordination more challenging.
Handwriting and fine motor skills: You might notice messy or slow handwriting, difficulty holding a pencil, poor letter formation or a child avoiding drawing, colouring and other tasks requiring precise hand movements.
Coordination, balance and clumsiness: Coordination and balance rely on several underlying skills, including body awareness, postural control, muscle coordination and the integration of early movement patterns. When these foundations are less developed, children may struggle with sport, playground activities, handwriting or other everyday tasks.
Crossing the midline: Crossing the midline means reaching an arm or leg across the middle of the body to the other side, such as using the right hand to pick up something on the left. This seemingly simple skill plays an important role in a child’s coordination, learning and independence.
Hand-eye coordination: Hand-eye coordination is how well the eyes and hands work together. The eyes take in information about where something is, and the brain uses that information to guide the hands.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
Is mixed dominance a problem?
Not on its own. It is a normal variation and does not automatically indicate a problem. However, if a child is also experiencing difficulties with handwriting, coordination, reading or tasks that require both sides of the body to work together, it may be worth exploring their underlying developmental skills.
Is mixed dominance the same as being ambidextrous?
Not quite. Ambidextrous means using both hands equally well. Mixed dominance means a child’s preferred hand, foot, eye or ear varies depending on the task.
Should I make my child use one hand?
No. Let your child lead. If they are still swapping hands for the same task once they are at school, it is worth looking at why.
How long before we see a difference?
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks. Practising the exercises at home between sessions helps the new pathways strengthen faster.
Do you only see children in Perth?
I see children face to face in my home office in Perth, which creates a safe and comfortable environment, and I also offer online appointments.
Is there research behind it?
Yes. Primitive reflex integration exercises are researched for their effect on childhood motor and neurological patterns. See the research.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.