Why Does My Child Use One Side More Than the Other?

If you’ve found yourself noticing things like: 

• “My child only uses one hand”  

• “baby favors one side when crawling”  

• “toddler uneven movement Portland”  

• “why does my child always lead with the same side”  

you’re likely seeing something that feels subtle—but persistent. 

Maybe your child reaches with the same hand every time. Maybe they push up using one leg more than the other. Maybe their crawling, standing, or walking looks slightly uneven. 

It can leave you wondering: 

Is this just a phase? Or is something not developing evenly? 

Let’s take a closer look at what this pattern may actually mean. 

When One Side Feels Easier

The human body is designed to work in a coordinated, integrated way. 

Both sides of the body are meant to communicate and cooperate with each other. 

But for some children, one side feels easier to use. 

More reliable. More familiar. More organized. 

When that happens, the brain often begins to favor that side—not out of habit, but out of efficiency. 

From the nervous system’s perspective, it makes sense: 

“If this side works better, use it more.” 

Over time, that preference can become more noticeable. 

Why This Happens

Using one side more than the other is often not about strength or preference alone. 

It’s about how the brain is organizing movement. 

The nervous system is responsible for coordinating: 

• Balance  

• Timing  

• Muscle activation  

• Spatial awareness  

• Communication between left and right sides  

If one side of the body feels clearer or more stable, the brain will rely on it. 

This can show up as: 

• Reaching with one hand consistently  

• Pushing off with the same leg  

• Rotating or turning more easily in one direction  

• Difficulty coordinating both sides together  

This is not a sign that something is “wrong.” 

It’s a sign that the brain is still learning how to organize both sides evenly. 

Why It’s Not Just a Habit

It’s easy to assume that side preference is simply a habit that can be corrected. 

But early asymmetry is usually not something a child can consciously change. 

Because the pattern is coming from the nervous system, not from choice. 

If one side feels more stable or predictable, the brain will continue to favor it—even if you encourage your child to “use the other side.” 

Without changing how the brain experiences movement, the pattern often stays the same. 

When to Pay Closer Attention

Some amount of side preference is completely normal as children develop. 

But it may be worth exploring further if you notice: 

• Strong preference very early on  

• Avoidance of using one side  

• Difficulty coordinating both sides together  

• Movement that appears uneven or effortful  

• Frustration during tasks that require both sides  

These patterns don’t mean there is a problem to fix. 

They simply suggest that the nervous system may benefit from more balanced input and learning opportunities. 

Movement Is a Whole-Body Process

Using both sides of the body smoothly requires communication across the brain. 

The left and right hemispheres must coordinate in a way that supports: 

• Bilateral movement  

• Balance during transitions  

• Crossing the midline  

• Coordinated actions like crawling, walking, and reaching  

When this coordination is still developing, the brain may simplify movement by relying more heavily on one side. 

This reduces complexity—but also limits possibilities. 

The goal is not to force symmetry. 

The goal is to help the brain discover it. 

A Different Way to Support Balance Between Sides

The Anat Baniel Method NeuroMovement focuses on helping the brain organize movement more clearly—rather than correcting behavior from the outside. 

At MoveAbilities in Portland, sessions are designed to: 

• Introduce gentle, varied movement experiences  

• Help the brain notice differences between sides  

• Improve communication across the body  

• Reduce reliance on one dominant pattern  

• Expand coordination naturally  

Instead of asking the child to “use the other side,” NeuroMovement helps the brain become more aware of both sides. 

As that awareness increases, balance often begins to emerge on its own. 

Families can explore options such as in-person lessons, virtual sessions, or supportive movement classes depending on their needs. 

What Parents Often Notice

As the brain begins to integrate both sides more effectively, changes often appear in everyday movement. 

Parents may notice: 

• More spontaneous use of both hands  

• Smoother transitions between movements  

• Improved balance during standing and walking  

• Less effort required during play  

• Greater coordination in daily activities  

These shifts often feel subtle at first. 

But they reflect something important: 

The nervous system is becoming more organized. 

Why Forcing Symmetry Can Backfire

It’s natural to want to correct what looks uneven. 

But asking a child to repeatedly use the “non-preferred” side can sometimes create frustration. 

If that side still feels unclear to the brain, the experience may feel difficult or uncomfortable. 

Learning happens best when the nervous system feels: 

• Safe  

• Curious  

• Capable of exploring new options  

When pressure is reduced and awareness increases, the brain becomes more open to change. 

Can ABM NeuroMovement Be Done Without OT or PT?

Yes — many families choose to focus entirely on ABM NeuroMovement without combining it with occupational or physical therapy. 

Because NeuroMovement works directly with how the brain organizes movement, it can stand on its own as a complete approach. 

Some families combine approaches, while others simplify to avoid overwhelming the nervous system. 

At MoveAbilities, each path is individualized based on what best supports the child. 

Supporting Both Sides Without Pressure

If your child is using one side more than the other, it doesn’t mean they are falling behind. 

It means their brain has found a strategy that works—for now. 

With the right kind of input, the nervous system can begin to: 

• Expand awareness  

• Improve coordination  

• Discover new movement options  

• Integrate both sides more smoothly  

And when that happens, balance often develops naturally. 

Curious Whether NeuroMovement Could Help Your Child?

If you’re in the Portland area and wondering about your child’s movement patterns, exploring a brain-based approach can offer new clarity. 

You can contact Kathy at MoveAbilities to ask questions or schedule a consultation. 

You can also learn more through hands-on learning opportunities like workshops designed to help parents better understand how children learn movement.