BROTHERS ARE NOT FOR HITTING

Gentle parenting suggestions to help kids curtail the temptation to physically lash out at others.

Many youngsters go through a hitting phase; addressing the causes of this behavior is crucial. As Allen, a licensed therapist, advises in the backmatter, “If you can figure out why your child is hitting, then you can teach them a healthy replacement.” As his story opens, Laila’s mother is chaperoning a class trip to the zoo—and her annoying little brother, Reggie, must tag along. Three different scenarios—Reggie hogging the window on the bus, a classmate monopolizing the playground slide at the zoo, and Reggie taking too long to eat his cotton candy—result in frustration; Laila’s body tenses, her face gets hot, and her hands itch to hit or shove. Motivated by anger stemming from limited patience, struggles with emotional regulation, and lack of problem-solving skills, she reaches a breaking point each time. Caring adults swoop in with ways to help her calm down. Hazy, darker colors swirl around clenched fists to depict Laila’s mounting irritation, while red-hot flames suggest her extreme rage. Purple-hued clouds at the end signify that Laila has learned to control her actions. Though the narrative is on the preachy side, the advice is valuable; the appended note to parents and caregivers further explores the impetus to hit. Laila and her family are brown-skinned; her class is diverse.

Useful strategies for kids attempting to get a handle on big emotions.