The Helper Hand: How Children Learn to Use Both Hands Together

July 29. 2026

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Have you ever watched a child hold a piece of paper with one hand while coloring with the other? Or hold a container steady while trying to open the lid?

These everyday actions are examples of bilateral coordination—the ability to use both sides of the body together during an activity. While some movements involve both hands doing the same thing, many tasks require each hand to have a different job.

One hand becomes the "working hand," while the other acts as the "helper hand."

When Hands Have Different Jobs

Children use their hands together in countless ways throughout the day. For example:

• One hand holds paper while the other uses scissors.

• One hand stabilizes a notebook while the other writes.

• One hand holds a bowl while the other uses a spoon.

• One hand holds a shirt while the other pulls a zipper.

• One hand steadies a toy while the other manipulates its pieces.

• One hand holds a container while the other opens the lid.

These activities may seem simple, but they require children to coordinate their movements and understand how their hands work together.

Bilateral Coordination During Play

Play provides countless opportunities to develop these skills naturally. Children may use both hands when building with blocks, creating with play dough, completing puzzles, stringing beads, playing with construction toys, or climbing on playground equipment.

Movement-based activities can also encourage children to coordinate both sides of their bodies. Jumping, crawling, throwing, catching, and climbing all provide opportunities to practice coordinated movements in a fun and engaging way.

Why These Skills Matter

Bilateral coordination supports children's participation in many everyday activities. As children become more comfortable coordinating both sides of their bodies, they can more easily manage tasks that require two hands to work together.

These skills can contribute to greater independence with:

• Dressing and managing clothing

• Eating and using utensils

• School and classroom tasks

• Arts and crafts

• Opening and closing containers

• Playing with toys and games

• Participating in sports and recreational activities

When a child has difficulty coordinating both sides of their body, everyday tasks may take more effort or feel frustrating. They may have trouble keeping one hand steady while the other performs a task or may frequently switch hands during activities.

At Funtastic OT Tools, we believe that skill development can be incorporated into activities children already enjoy. Our resources provide occupational therapists, educators, and caregivers with engaging ways to support bilateral coordination and other developmental skills through purposeful play and everyday activities.

The next time you see a child using one hand to work and the other to help, remember that something as simple as holding a piece of paper steady can be an important part of learning how to use both hands together.