What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting - Big Feelings Books for Toddlers by Cara Goodwin Board Book

About the Book

"Toddlers are still learning how to speak, socialize, and understand their emotions. It's common for them to react with their hands when they get frustrated-but hitting is never okay. This book helps toddlers understand why hitting is not allowed and shows them how to react to their feelings with actions that are safe and kind,"--

Book Synopsis

Teach toddlers safe ways to express big feelings and stop their impulse to hit, from Leading Parenting Expert and Child Psychologist Cara Goodwin, PhD

Toddlers are still learning how to speak, socialize, and understand their emotions. It's common for them to react with their hands and hit when they get frustrated--but hitting is never okay. What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting helps toddlers understand why hitting is not allowed and shows them how to react to their big feelings with actions that are safe and kind.

This colorful board book offers:

Alternatives to hitting--Kids will learn how to use "gentle hands" to squeeze a stuffed animal when they feel upset, scribble a picture to get out their frustration, and practice taking deep breaths to redirect their feelings and calm down.

A light touch--The language is kid-friendly and positive, encouraging toddlers to understand and communicate their feelings, rather than shaming them or just telling them to keep their hands to themselves.

Engaging illustrations--Colorful, inclusive pictures help kids see themselves, the strategies in action, and keep their attention on the page.

Get the best in no hitting books for toddlers with a friendly choice that helps them learn empathy and compassion.

Review Quotes

"What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting is a great resource for families. As a parent of two toddlers, I struggle to find the right way to discipline my children when their behaviors are loud and clear, such as hitting. This book is a helpful and approachable resource that parents can use to help instill positive behaviors. Most importantly, I love how inclusive the book is and the priority that is placed on including a diverse group of characters. This is a favorite go-to book in our house as well as a gift I'll be giving to other parents!" -- Alex Turnbull, RDN, LD, author of Baby Food Cookbook for First-Time Parents

"As a pediatrician, I am so glad to have a resource with specific advice for toddlers who hit. This book acknowledges hitting is a normal albeit difficult stage and arms children and parents with developmentally appropriate language and strategies to help. Well done!" -- Kelly Fradin, MD, FAAP pediatrician, author, and mother of two

"Dr. Cara Goodwin does a beautiful job writing in toddler-friendly language and highlighting all the important points a caregiver should cover when it comes to hitting: feelings and self-regulation skills they can practice. I am happy to add this book to the resources I recommend to parents and caregivers." -- Michelle Tangeman, LMFT, BCBA, founder of Thriving Toddler and Michelle Tangeman Behavioral Health