A Storybook That Helps Kids Who Hit Use Words Instead
Why does my child's hand fly out first?
When a squabble over a single toy leads your child to push or grab a friend, a parent's heart sinks. But at this age, your child is still learning how to put upset feelings into words.
Reaching out with hands first doesn't make a child bad. More often, it's simply that they don't know 'how to say it.' So what they need is less scolding and more of someone showing them 'how to use words.'
Curious about the storybook for kids who hit? Take a look at the lessons of this storybook alongside its illustrations. Meet the key scenes of the story too. Read it together with your child and talk it over. From a storybook about expressing feelings to a conflict resolution storybook and a sharing storybook, we've gathered many stories around 35. Use Words, Not Hands, and Get Along!
Why the power of using words matters
Working out a squabble with words builds both emotional control and social skills at once. A child who can put their own feelings into words feels less anxious in the face of conflict, and their friendships last longer too.
On the other hand, if the habit of solving things physically sets in, both the child and their friend get hurt, and the squabbles keep repeating. 'Using words' isn't about holding feelings in—it's about learning to bring your heart out safely.
Toto and Kongi's toy car story
In 『Use Words, Not Hands, and Get Along!』, Toto and Kongi tug a red car back and forth and nearly break it. Neither one gets the car, and both end up hurt and sulking.
Hori comes over and says, "If you pull with your hands, nobody gets to play. But if you use words, you can both have fun." Toto opens up first, and the two friends decide to take turns rolling the car together. Going back and forth turned out to be so much more fun. In this scene, your child learns that 'using words means everyone can smile.'
Learning to express feelings with Tangobook
In Tangobook, after reading the story, your child meets words like 'first,' 'together,' and 'sorry' again through play. Your child learns the words they can use in a moment of conflict with their eyes, ears, and hands.
They can pick their favorite illustration style to read the same story and listen to it in both Korean and English, so the range of words they can use to express feelings naturally grows.
Practicing 'using words' together at home
When a squabble breaks out, set up a signal first: 'stop your hands, use words.' Like the refrain in the book, chanting 'don't hit—use words, use words' together makes it easy for your child to remember.
Once things have calmed down, ask "How were you feeling back there?" to help name the emotion. Then, with a question like "What would make it good for both of you?", let your child discover ways to solve it on their own—like taking turns or sharing.
The first step toward becoming a child who talks it out
Squabbles are a natural part of growing up. What matters is turning that moment into an 'experience of talking it out.' Just like Toto and Kongi, your child can learn to get along with words instead of hands.
Meet 『Use Words, Not Hands, and Get Along!』 on Tangobook now. You can start with a 7-day free trial at tangobook.co.kr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I do when my child hits a friend?
A. Calmly show them how to share their feelings with words instead of hands. Firmly stop the hitting, but it's important to read the feeling behind it first—why they got angry.
Q. Can a storybook for kids who hit really help?
A. Watching the main character make peace with words instead of hands, your child learns another way too. A storybook for kids who hit gently teaches how to get along.
Q. How do I fix the habit of hitting out of anger?
A. In everyday moments, practice expressing anger with words or pausing for a beat. Praising them when they express it well with words instead of hands helps the good habit take root.
Great Classic Storybooks to Read Together
If you enjoyed this storybook, try reading these classic storybooks together too.
- 01. Eat a Rainbow, Get Rainbow Power!
- 02. Brush, Brush, Sparkle, Sparkle!
- 03. Bubble, Bubble, Squeaky Clean!
- 04. Pee in the Potty, Well Done!
Curious about 「35. Use Words, Not Hands, and Get Along!」?
Meet it for yourself on Tangobook, with beautiful illustrations and Korean and English audio.
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