Have you ever found yourself in a perpetual state of confusion, unsure of which hand to use for a simple task? Do you awkwardly switch between your right and left hands, feeling like you're an outlier in a world of confident righties and lefties? If so, you're not alone. The world of handedness is a fascinating one, a topic ripe for exploration. The Right-Handed Majority: A Tale of Genes and Evolution Let's start with the basics. Why are most people right-handed? It's a quest

At what age should a young child be able to distinguish between left and right? The ability to consistently differentiate between left and right typically develops between the ages of 5 and 7 years old, but this can vary quite a bit depending on the child. Here’s a general guide: Developmental Timeline Age Typical Developmental Stage 3–4 years Children can follow simple left/right instructions in context (e.g., "Rais

It's that time of year, again, with moms and pops rushing about with their little ones, enjoying the scenery, doing last minute shopping, and being preoccupied with all the chores that are still undone. Crowded shopping malls, holiday events, fairs, and festivals can be overwhelming for any child—but for children who are directionally challenged, these environments can feel confusing, stressful, and even frightening. As parents, we sometimes assume children will “just figure

Hello, Dr. Knough here again. If you’ve ever found yourself walking confidently in the wrong direction, just know that you’re in good company. Many bright, capable people struggle with navigating the world — not because they’re careless, but because their brains process space differently. If you’ve been following my work, you already know that improving your sense of direction isn’t about being “perfect”—it’s about becoming aware . Many people assume that good navigators are

The average adult is mostly reluctant about admitting that he or she is directionally challenged. That means that I am not the average adult. I will be the first to point out that I do not naturally know my left from my right; and even though I'm very good at identifying north, south, east and west - on paper, I can't even identify where the sun rose, and where it's going to set, unless I observe it for a protracted period of time. IF I can by observing the sun, identify east

Let’s face it — airports were not designed for the directionally challenged. If you’re the kind of traveler who can get lost between the check-in counter and the restroom, or who once followed a “Baggage Claim →” sign straight into a janitor’s closet, this post is for you. Air travel can be stressful for anyone — but for those who struggle to follow signs, recall gate numbers, or keep mental maps straight, it can feel like navigating a labyrinth designed by someone who really

Today, I want to talk about a very common occurrence. Not only does it happen to me, and quite often, but I've seen several persons experiencing the same phenomenon. While it is happening, I assure you, it's not funny, but afterwards, even if you don't have a sense of humor, and your laughter may only be the mask for a whimper, you have to allow yourself some levity. Case in point: As I write this piece, I'm sitting in the arrival area of Boston Logan Airport, awaiting my rid

As parents and educators, we often assume that everyone learns the same way—by reading, listening, and repeating. But the truth is, every child is uniquely wired to absorb and process information. If class, or homework time feels like a battle, or if your child struggles to grasp concepts through traditional methods, they might just be wired to learn in a different way! Ø  This was part of my reason for writing Center Brained: Why you can’t tell left from right, east from wes

As adults, we are sometimes amused by the fact that a small child will be crying in a supermarket aisle, only feet away from his/her mother, who may be hidden by a shopping cart. We laugh when older children get turned around in a big store, but the truth is, adults can get just as lost—especially in today’s mega-malls that are practically small cities under one roof. Between winding corridors, identical storefronts, multiple floors, and flashy digital signs that point everyw

If you're an adult, and now know that you're directionally challenged, do you recall at what age you discovered your inability? I was...

A Directional Dilemma for Some of Us Last time, I mentioned the phrase: “lefty-loosie, righty-tighty.”  It’s the age-old mnemonic meant...

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions lurk around every corner. Whether it's constant notifications from our devices, packed...

Navigating through life can feel overwhelming, especially if you often struggle with direction. Are you directionally challenged? Do you...