Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book)

This book has been a lifesaver in teaching my toddler that hands are for things like hugging and helping—not smacking, swatting, or auditioning for toddler fight club. The Best Behavior series nails it again with simple words and pictures that somehow cut through the chaos and keep my kid engaged. The format is genius: start with what hands are for (“helping mommy clean up the million toys you dumped out”), then explain what they’re not for (“hitting mom because she dared to say no to a third snack”). It’s clear, gentle, and exactly what we needed to curb the tiny tornado of hands flying at inappropriate moments. We’ve even started using the book’s format in everyday life. “What are hands for?” gets a thoughtful response, while “What are they NOT for?” earns a little head tilt like they’re really pondering their choices. Anytime there’s a slip-up, out comes the book, and it’s like a magical toddler reboot. If your kid is testing the boundaries of what hands can do (spoiler: it’s not hitting), this book is a must-have. It’s effective and has definitely made our house a more peaceful place.

This is a great book to help encourage little people with knowing all of the many ways to use their hands in a peaceful and productive manner. Some of the elements that I like most include: - The book uses positive reinforcement in the manner in which it highlights all of the many uses of hands that are peaceful, loving and helpful. The book mentions how not to use your hands but does not focus on the negative uses of hands. - The book is well illustrated and the colors and pictures definitely draw in the audience to paying close attention to the activities of each individual page. - The diverse children represented on each page is a huge plus. It is refreshing to see a book that demonstrates that children range in many different colors. The book celebrates that idea that diverse children coexist and thrive together. - The text is simple and can be understood by very small children (I purchased and read to my 2 year old who clearly understands and repeats the text in relevant moments/settings).

Its a great book to have to teach your kids not to hit. Its easy to understand, and it gives options on what else you can do with your hands

Great read for toddlers

This review is for the Board Book which is supposed to be for children up to 4 years old. I know some reviews mentioned it is a lot less substantive than the paperback yellow cover version but that is because that is for the 4-7 year old age group. I bought this version as my son is two and a half and has been begun hitting. The simplicity is good for his age but I do wish it would talk more about why it's not good to hit (perhaps the 4-7 year old version does that?). It just says "Hands are not for hitting. What are hands for? then has a page showing playing, building, hugging, etc." It's showing various things you can do with your hands in general but doesn't address when you are mad you should do this instead. Like when a toddler is mad, he isn't thinking "o yes, hands are for building sand castles". I'm trying to find a book that shows a child upset/mad and that hitting others isn't the answer... tell a parent or teacher what is wrong i.e. use your words instead. Also, it doesn't explain that hitting hurts, it's not nice, etc. We started adding to the Hands are not for hitting pages saying... "No hitting. Hitting hurts." and he seems to get the message. He hasn't stopped hitting all together yet but I do ask him here and there... do we hit? and he says "no hitting... hitting hurts. ouch" lol. Our son does like reading the book (nice illustrations) and it's definitely a good start so I would recommend it but there is some room for improvement in the text. If I find anothor book that would also be good to read along with this, I will update this posting.

My son LOVES this book (even though he still occasionally hits lol). But anytime he does and I stop him, he recites, “hands are NOT for hitting, hands are NOT for hitting.” Very simple language and beautifully patterned illustrations. I am definitely going to buy more from this series, because this one clearly left an impact on his little growing brain!!

My Great Niece was stating to hit others, so i bought it and read it to her.. I also previously purchased one to read to my classroom of 3 and 4 year old's

Love this author. We have many of these books. The simplicity of the lessons with the colorful illustrations are perfect for a toddler. Many options for teachable moments

Este cuento es muy bonito y útil para nuestros hijos.

The content is valuable for kids to help them understand the different ways to use their hands and fingures

Very educative and useful for toddlers who are struggling controlling their feelings

分かりやすく読むたびに心にグッときます

Good book and easy to follow for my todler.