Social Story About Hitting (Free & Printable)

Hitting is almost always communication. A child who hits may be frustrated, overwhelmed by noise, unable to find words, or trying to get a toy back. Telling them “stop hitting” explains what not to do, but it does not explain what they can do with a big, angry feeling.

This social story about hitting validates the feeling, explains how hitting affects other people, and gives the child a short list of safe choices. It works well for toddlers, preschoolers, and children with autism or speech delays.

Want this story with your child’s name? Use the free personalizer below or open the full social story generator.

My Hands Can Help

My name is Leo. I have two hands. My hands can do many things.
1
My hands can draw, build with blocks, give high fives and wave hello.
2
Sometimes I feel angry or frustrated. My body might feel hot and my hands might want to hit.
3
Hitting hurts other people. It can make them sad or scared, and they might not want to play.
4
When I feel angry, I can try to stop and put my hands in my pockets or squeeze them tight.
5
I can take three big breaths, like blowing out birthday candles.
6
I can use my words: “I am mad!” or “Stop, that is mine.”
7
I can ask a grown-up for help. Grown-ups like to help me solve problems.
8
When I use safe hands, everyone stays safe. I am learning to keep my hands safe.
9

Why this social story helps

Social stories reduce aggressive behavior when they replace it with something specific. Notice that the story never says the child is bad. It describes the feeling, explains the effect on others, and gives four concrete alternatives: pockets or squeezing, breathing, words, and asking an adult. Children are far more likely to use a strategy they have rehearsed many times while calm.

How to use this social story

Print the story (two pages per sheet works well) or show it on a tablet.
Read it together once a day during a calm time, for at least a few days before the situation.
Read it again just before the situation happens, and keep a copy nearby as a reminder.
Swap the name and details for your child, or add real photos, so it matches their world.

What makes this a good social story

This story follows the social story approach described by Carol Gray. It is written from the child’s point of view, uses short and literal sentences, and spends most of its words describing the situation and how people feel. Only a few sentences gently suggest what to do, and they use “I can” instead of “I must”. The story names a difficult feeling as normal and ends on an encouraging note, so the child links the situation with calm and confidence rather than with being told off.

Tips for parents and teachers

Never read the story as a punishment right after an incident. Read it during calm moments.
Practice the “three big breaths” and “squeeze your hands” steps together so they become automatic.
Notice what usually happens just before hitting (noise, transitions, sharing) and read the story before those moments.
Give the child a calm-down corner or sensory item they can go to instead.
Praise “safe hands” specifically: “You squeezed your hands when you were mad. That was safe!”

Questions to talk about after reading

What are some kind things your hands can do?
How does your body feel when you are angry?
What could you do instead of hitting?
Who can you ask for help?

Personalize this story

Add your child’s name and age and we will rewrite the story just for them. It’s free.