02.13.08

The first time I saw my daughter take a toy from another kid, I took it as a good opportunity to teach her the word please. The first time I saw her hit someone I was a little less opportunistic. This may have been because it was me she was hitting, and my face was where her cute little fist was landing. 

Best Behavior series books has given me the opportunity back, with a series of award winning board books designed to teach a child proper behavior at an early age. While my daughter wasn't necessarily on track to become the first toddler feather weight, she was definitely showing some behavior that I needed to work with her on. 

Hands Are Not for Hitting was an excellent book that I could sit down and read with her, and help teach her that although she may have the urge to hit, it wasn't what she should be doing. The books are illustrated nicely with large clear fun images, as well as worded clearly so that an early reader can use them also. What I found quite refreshing in the book was the fact it discussed reasons that a child might want to hit, and then offered what hands are actually good for, such as drawing and playing. 

I decided that it would be beneficial for my daughter and I to read more of the books, such as Teeth Are Not for Biting and Feet Are Not for Kicking. The series offers many titles that can offer council and guidance for children and parents as well. I was very pleased to find the title Tails Are Not for Pulling as we have two big dogs in the house that she loves to play and tug tails on. 

The series also offers valuable information directed towards parents in the back of the books, with information on how to help your child understand the lessons, as well how to ensure that your child grows up in a peaceful environment. On top of correcting questionable behavior, the books have also shown to be a very good preemptive tool for teaching my daughter how to be the well behaved angel I know she is deep down.

I recommend these books to any parent that has a child that may be going through a difficult time learning to  not hit, not kick, or not react in a questionable fashion. I also recommend them to parents that want to prevent this behavior before it happens, in a fun and educational way.