Building Confidence and Skills: Understanding Bilateral Coordination in Children

Six-year-old Sam always struggled during playtime. While his friends easily caught balls and clapped along to songs, Sam’s movements felt clumsy and out of sync. Cutting paper for art projects was frustrating, and tying his shoes seemed impossible. He often avoided group games, feeling embarrassed and left out. It wasn’t until his teacher noticed his difficulties and suggested some fun, coordinated activities that things started to change. With a little practice and patience, Sam began to catch up—both in play and in confidence. To understand what little Sam struggled with and how he improved, we should first explore bilateral coordination.

Bilateral coordination is the ability to use both sides of your body in a coordinated way. Many everyday activities—such as getting dressed or writing—require us to use bilateral coordination. Having good bilateral coordination means that the two halves of your brain communicate with each other effectively. This communication occurs through a bundle of nerves called the corpus callosum, which helps integrate information from both sides of the body. While children begin developing this skill around 18–24 months, it typically blossoms by age 4. And it’s not just about physical skills—bilateral coordination also plays a crucial role in learning and overall development.

The Importance of Bilateral Coordination

Developing bilateral coordination is crucial for several reasons:

• Motor Skill Development: Proficient bilateral coordination enhances both gross and fine motor skills, enabling children to perform tasks like dressing, writing, and participating in sports.
• Cognitive Functioning: Engaging in activities that require bilateral movements has been linked to improvements in attention, concentration, and executive functions. Research indicates that even brief sessions of bilateral coordination exercises can significantly enhance these cognitive areas.
• Social Importance: Effective bilateral coordination enables participation in group activities and sports, fostering social interactions and teamwork. Children with well-developed bilateral coordination are more likely to engage confidently in social play, strengthening their social skills and peer relationships.

Developing Bilateral Coordination

To foster bilateral coordination, consider incorporating activities that build this skill, including:

• Riding a bike, which requires both legs to pedal together.
• Swimming, where arms and legs move in a coordinated rhythm.
• Clapping games, which encourage the synchronization of both hands.
• Playing catch or bouncing a ball with both hands to promote hand-eye coordination and timing.
• Using scissors, where one hand manipulates the scissors while the other stabilizes the paper, improving cooperative hand movements.
• Dancing and jumping jacks, which help get both sides of the body to mirror each other.
• Puzzles requiring both hands or building blocks, where one hand stabilizes while the other builds, enhancing fine motor coordination.
• Cooking activities like stirring with one hand while holding the bowl with the other, which are fun ways to practice.
• Playing musical instruments, such as the piano or drums, to help synchronize hand movements.

Even simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or tying shoes strengthen bilateral skills. The key is to make practice enjoyable by mixing fun with learning.

Children who struggle with bilateral coordination can benefit from early intervention. Occupational therapy is effective in helping children develop these skills, providing tailored exercises and play-based activities. Parents can support this at home with games like Simon Says or Follow the Leader, which encourage coordinated movements. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also make a big difference, helping kids build confidence and practice more effectively. While consistent practice is important, patience and positive reinforcement are equally crucial. Celebrating small victories keeps children motivated! Schools can also contribute by including regular physical activities in their daily routines. If you're concerned about your child's bilateral coordination, don’t hesitate to reach out to an occupational therapist or pediatrician for guidance.

Potential Delays and Implications

While delays in bilateral coordination can present challenges for children, it’s important to remember that help is available and effective. These delays might manifest as difficulties with:

• Motor skills, like tying shoelaces or riding a bike.
• Academic tasks, such as handwriting or reading.
• Social interactions, like participating in group sports.
• Emotional reactions, such as frustration, decreased self-esteem, and social isolation, often caused by struggles with everyday tasks or participation in activities.

Even in the face of these challenges, research has shown that targeted interventions—especially those focused on improving bilateral coordination—can lead to significant improvements in a child’s skills. Early intervention and support can make a world of difference! In short, bilateral coordination is a fundamental building block for development. By supporting children in developing this skill, we help them navigate daily life activities more confidently.

‍