Hands Are Not for Hitting: Revised & Updated (Ages 4-7, Paperback)

By Martine Agassi

Book Overview

Help kids understand their big emotions and respond without hitting

Strong feelings are okay--but hitting is not. In Hands Are Not for Hitting, children learn that hands do lots of wonderful things, like playing and helping out. Sometimes hands feel like hitting too. Through simple language and warm, engaging illustrations, this book teaches children that they can choose to respond with words instead. This supportive book shows kids ages 4-7 how to pause, identify their feelings, and use words to set boundaries or ask for help. With simple text and bright, inclusive illustrations, this book empowers children to manage their emotions, so everyone stays safe.

Part of the award-winning Best Behavior(R) series, this paperback edition helps children learn about their emotions and develop behavior skills they can carry with them for life.

Gives children tools for responding nonviolently when they feel upsetEncourages kids to appreciate the many wonderful things hands do for usUses relatable, inclusive illustrations to show kids in everyday situationsExpands on the themes in the board book with the same title

Hands Are Not for Hitting is a helpful resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors who want to address violent acting out. The book can be read during emotional moments or as part of everyday routines, opening conversations and supporting children in building positive responses to their feelings. A special section for adults offers practical strategies for guiding kids toward self-awareness and setting boundaries without resorting to hitting. Great for children who read the board book edition and need an expanded reminder when behaviors resurface.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1575423081
• ISBN13: 9781575423081
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.9" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Great book for toddlers

I read this book to my toddler when he started hitting and then reinforcing it by saying hands are not for hitting when ever he would hit. It really worked - he loved doing some of the fun things that hands are good for as we read along. I liked it that it focused on positive things to do with your hands while still enforcing that hitting is not what hands are for. Great book!

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

What a delightful learning book this is.Full of bright, colorful illustrations that bring the point across without any confusion!The author shares all the wonderful things hands are good for, playing, drawing, saying hello, to name a few of the many examples used in this read. . Just adorable! I shared this book with my 3-year old granddaughter. I can tell you, it was a hit!This is a sturdy, colorful, well constructedbook. A book that can take the abuse of a younger child and still stay in one piece. Not an easy feat! A great book with a great lesson; one your child will treasure and read over and over again. Hands are NOT for hitting! I've learned my lesson, have you? Recommended!

I loved this book!

I bought this book, and "The Way I Feel" in response to my almost 2 year old going through a hitting phase. I could not be more pleased with how this book (and the other) addresses the issue and proposes solutions for dealing with anger and frustration. My son LOVES acting out the things that hands can be used for. He sits through the whole book and often wants to read it again. He quotes catchy phrases that he remembers from the book. It is so interactive! I really think that it has made a difference in my son's behavior over the period of 3 weeks.

An ideal "read aloud" book for parents and care givers.

Hands Are Not For Hitting is a gentle, encouraging book for beginning readers that shows all the good things hands can do from playing, sharing, clapping, and counting, to helping, building, being kind, and staying safe. Kids will learn alternatives to hitting -- such as drawing pictures, jumping up and down, talking about feels, and simply walking away. Highly recommended, Hands Are Not For Hitting is an ideal "read aloud" book for parents and care givers, there is a special section devoted to ideas for things to talk about and activities grownups and kids can do together.