Today, we want to share with you an important topic that affects all children, regardless of their race, ethnicity or background. We all have the tendency to get frustrated or angry and may hit others. But hitting others is not a solution and can cause harm, pain and even long-lasting consequences.
Teaching Children Not to Hit
As parents and caregivers, it is our responsibility to teach children how to express their feelings and resolve conflicts without resorting to physical violence. One way to do this is by using social stories that are designed to teach children appropriate social behaviors. One such story is the free printable social story on making friends that we found online.
The story talks about the negative consequences of hitting, such as losing friends, getting into trouble and making others feel bad. It also emphasizes the importance of talking to others, using words to express how we feel, and finding alternative ways to manage our emotions.
Alternative Ways to Manage Emotions
So, what are some of the alternative ways that children can manage their emotions when they feel angry, frustrated or upset? Here are some suggestions:
- Breathing exercises: Teach children to take deep breaths and count to 10 when they feel upset or angry.
- Talking: Encourage children to talk to someone they trust about how they feel. This could be a parent, teacher, or friend.
- Physical activity: Suggest that children go for a walk, run or play a sport to help manage their emotions in a healthy way.
- Distraction: Provide children with a distraction, such as a toy or a book, when they feel upset or angry.
Ending Violence, Building Stronger Relationships
Teaching children not to hit is not just about preventing physical violence. It is about building stronger relationships, fostering empathy, and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all children. We hope this social story on making friends will be a useful tool for parents, caregivers and teachers, and we encourage you to share it with others who may benefit from it.
Let us work together to end violence and promote peace and harmony in our communities. Thank you for reading.
