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When do children usually begin showing a definite hand preference, and how can caregivers support this development?

User Ksemel
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Final answer:

Children usually show a definite hand preference by the age of 3-4 years. Caregivers can support this by providing diverse fine motor activities and allowing children to use their naturally preferred hand.

Step-by-step explanation:

Children typically begin showing a definite hand preference by the age of 3-4 years. This development is a part of their cognitive and psychosocial growth, marked by a surge in autonomy and the ability to initiate tasks and make certain decisions. Caregivers can support this development by providing opportunities for children to engage in fine motor activities, such as drawing or playing with blocks. Ensuring that children have access to a variety of tools, such as crayons, markers, and scissors, can also encourage them in determining their hand preference. It's important to allow children to use the hand they naturally prefer without pressuring them to use one hand over the other.

User Elcortegano
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