Raising A "Lefty" In A Right Handed World

Left-handed, right-handed, ambidextrous!
In 2025, it really shouldn't matter which hand your child uses to write. Science has long proven that a child’s writing hand is simply based on the dominant side of their brain.
But it’s only when you are a lefty — or raise one — that you truly realize how much the world is geared toward right-handed people. 

Here’s a heartwarming story from Shweta Singh, a mother who faced this challenge firsthand — and found an unexpected ally.

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“Mummy, I Can’t Sharpen My Pencil…”

I’m a proud mother of a 4.5-year-old daughter. She’s intelligent, bubbly, and bright — and she naturally writes with her left hand.

At first, I didn’t think it would be a big deal. But I was wrong.

I began noticing her struggling with small, everyday things — tasks other kids her age could do with ease.

The Incident That Changed Everything

One day, she came home from school visibly upset. I asked what had happened.

She said, “Mummy, I can’t sharpen my pencil. All the other kids can.”

That moment hit me hard. I realized that even something as basic as a pencil sharpener isn’t made for left-handed children.

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Left-Handed Stationery Too Expensive!

I started looking online for left-handed stationery — sharpeners, scissors, writing tools. But the prices were shocking.
Even a single left-handed sharpener cost between Rs. 700 to Rs. 1200. Way too expensive for most parents in India.

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Reaching Out to Hindustan Pencils (Makers of Natraj & Apsara)

I decided to share my concern with Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s biggest stationery manufacturers.

To my surprise, I got a call from a senior executive at the company. He genuinely wanted to understand my issue. He listened, acknowledged the problem, and promised to find a solution.

A Week Later: A Custom-Made Surprise

Within just a week, I received a left-handed sharpener — specially designed for my daughter.

It wasn’t even a regular product in their lineup. They actually made it just for her.

This thoughtful gesture turned me into a lifelong fan of the brand.

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A Small Act of Kindness, A Big Impact

I’m truly grateful to Hindustan Pencils. Their customer service and human approach made a huge difference in our lives.

That little sharpener meant the world to my daughter — and to me as a parent. It reminded me that empathy still exists in corporate India.

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About the Author

Shweta Singh
A former insurance professional, Shweta is now a homemaker and full-time mom to two lovely daughters. She’s passionate about parenting, learning alongside her children, and making their world more inclusive — one step at a time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is it okay for kids to write with their left hand?

A: Absolutely. Left-handedness is completely natural and based on brain dominance. Forcing them to switch can lead to confusion and stress.

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Q2. What challenges do left-handed children face?

A: They may struggle with:

• Regular scissors and sharpeners
  
• Notebooks designed for right-handers
  
• Sitting arrangements in classrooms
  
• Writing smudges due to hand position
  

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Q3. Where can I find left-handed stationery in India?

A: While many online stores stock them, prices are often high. Contacting Indian brands like Hindustan Pencils may lead to affordable or customized support.

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Q4. Should I worry if my child switches hands while writing?

A: Not at all. Many children experiment before settling into a dominant hand by age 5 or 6. Observe, but don’t force a switch.

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Final Thoughts

Being a left-handed child in a right-handed world isn’t always easy. But with awareness, kindness, and support from brands, educators, and parents — the journey becomes smoother.

This experience reminded me that even small gestures can bring big joy.

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