Cutting paper, tying shoes, swinging a bat, doing a jumping jack — they all share a hidden requirement: both sides of the body working together smoothly. That's bilateral coordination, and when it's tricky, a lot of everyday tasks get harder than they should be.
What is bilateral coordination?
Bilateral coordination is using both sides of the body together in a controlled way. It shows up three ways: both sides doing the same thing (jumping jacks), sides alternating (climbing stairs, pedaling), and one hand leading while the other helps (cutting while the other hand turns the paper).
Why it matters
It's behind cutting, writing while holding the paper steady, tying shoes, getting dressed, catching a ball, and countless classroom and self-care tasks. It also tends to develop alongside a child settling into a dominant hand.
Activities to build it
- Cutting with scissors, lacing cards, and threading beads.
- Tearing and crumpling paper; rolling playdough into a ball with both hands.
- Catching and throwing, drumming, and clapping games.
- Climbing, jumping jacks, and pedaling a tricycle or bike.
Signs of difficulty
- Avoids tasks that need two hands together.
- Switches hands in the middle of a task.
- Hasn't settled on a dominant hand by around age 5–6.
- Looks awkward with cutting, catching, or dressing.
These signs are worth noting, not panicking over. An OT evaluation can tell you whether a little support would help.
Two-handed tasks a struggle? Our OTs can assess and help.
How occupational therapy helps
OTs build bilateral coordination through targeted, playful activities and help it carry into everyday tasks like cutting, dressing, and writing. OT requires a referral from your child's primary care provider (faxed to 901-589-9001).