Back to School Tips for Left Handers

This is a sponsored post with BIC. As always, all opinions are my own.

School is just around the corner for kids – I know in some states kids have already returned. My kids are getting really excited about returning – even though summer seemed to fly by way too fast this year.

National Left Handers Day is this coming Sunday (August 13th) so I thought there was no better time to talk about being left-handed and share some tips!

You see, growing up I was the only one in my entire family who was left-handed – in fact I think I was the only left-handed student during most of my grade school years. It was never a big deal to me, but some kids (and adults) felt the need to point it out. The only thing I did with my right hand was use scissors, because up until 1st grade there were no left-handed scissor options for me – which was ok. I remember one of my teachers finally purchasing a pair for me and I couldn’t cut a straight line at all! I’ve stuck with the right-handed scissors since.

Well, as things turned out I ended up marrying a lefty as well, and while I never encouraged my children one way or the other all three of my kids ended up being left-handed too! I’m not sure how those odds ended up, but alas, my entire family is left-handed – and I think we’re pretty special.

There’s no huge differences for back-to-school between right-handed and left-handed people, but I thought it would be fun to share a few tips for you! (Note: the only complaint I ever had were those desks which are clearly made for only right-handed people!)

Back to School Tips for Left Handers:

Encourage your children to embrace their left-handedness – not hide it.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being left-handed, but I know that sometimes kids can tease. Make sure that your child feels comfortable with themselves.

Offer to accommodate, but don’t push it.

Ask them if they’d like right-handed or left-handed supplies. Just because they write with their left hand doesn’t mean they prefer to do everything left-handed.

Remind P.E. teachers, coaches, and music teachers that your student is left-handed.

I remember when my kids were younger and didn’t know the basics of sports the instructors would automatically assume they were right-handed, and it felt awkward to them. I’ve had to remind everyone a few times that they need to play in a way that is comfortable for them. It may be right, it may be left, but they need to have that option.

Make their day a little easier – by purchasing BIC® Gel-ocity® Quick Dry gel pens.

These pens are absolutely amazing for us leftys! The ink drys up to 3x faster*, so note-taking, list-making, and calendar-marking are much easier – and everyone, including leftys, will see less smudging with ink that dries quick!

So my left-handed friends – celebrate Sunday and every day for that matter – because you are awesome!

 

~Melissa

*vs. BIC® Gel-ocity® Original, based on average dry times of blue, black and red. Individual dry times may vary by color.

Related posts

Ways to Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday

Are you the matriarch in your family?

Our Low-Key Halloween