What Does Retraining Left-Handers Mean – and What Are the Consequences?

What Is Meant by Retraining?

“Retraining” refers to the practice of forcing a naturally left-handed child to use their right hand for writing and daily tasks. This was common in schools and kindergartens until the 1980s.

How Was Retraining Done?

Children were discouraged from using their left hand – sometimes by physically taking the pen away or punishing them. They were forced to write with the right hand, often without understanding or support. In many cases, other activities like eating or cutting were also shifted to the right.

What Did This Mean for the Affected Children?

Retraining disrupted the child’s natural coordination and brain patterns. This often led to tension, confusion, and frustration as the brain had to learn unfamiliar motor patterns.

What Long-Term Effects Can Retraining Have?

• Concentration difficulties
• Speech disorders (e.g. stuttering)
• Motor clumsiness and lack of coordination
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety and emotional overload
• Writing difficulties or refusal to write

These effects were studied in detail by German psychologist Dr. Johanna Barbara Sattler, who introduced the term “Retraining Syndrome”.

Can Retraining Be Reversed?

Yes, restoring the dominant hand is possible. With guidance (often from occupational therapists), individuals can relearn to use their natural hand – especially for writing. The earlier this process starts, the better the results.

Are Other Activities Affected by Retraining?

Yes, common activities like:

• Using scissors
• Brushing teeth
• Using cutlery
• Sports movements like throwing or swinging

are also often retrained – either intentionally or unknowingly. This can cause confusion and coordination issues.

Conclusion

Retraining left-handers was a well-meant but harmful practice. Today we know: Natural handedness should always be supported and respected.