

Kids encounter challenges everywhere—at home, in school, and in the wider world. Regardless of the choices, changes, and opportunities they face, Free Spirit has remained dedicated to equipping children and teens, along with the adults who support them, with the tools to think independently, tackle obstacles, and create a positive impact in the world. Why Free Spirit? For 40 years, Free Spirit has empowered children and teens with tools to think independently, overcome challenges, and create change. Why Free Spirit? For 40 years, Free Spirit has empowered children and teens with tools to think independently, overcome challenges, and create change. Free Spirit Best Sellers Visit the Store Free Spirit Best Sellers Visit the Store What makes our products unique? Our books are positive, solution-oriented, and kid-friendly, meeting children of all ages—from babies to teens—right where they are and tackling the real-life challenges they encounter. Why do we love what we do? Our over 300 award-winning books and products have become cherished resources for parents, teachers, counselors, youth workers, and kids everywhere. Their trust in us fuels our passion and commitment to making a difference. What makes our products unique? Our books are positive, solution-oriented, and kid-friendly, meeting children of all ages—from babies to teens—right where they are and tackling the real-life challenges they encounter. Why do we love what we do? Our over 300 award-winning books and products have become cherished resources for parents, teachers, counselors, youth workers, and kids everywhere. Their trust in us fuels our passion and commitment to making a difference. Flourish Together in Learning! By working together, we can foster a learning environment that helps both teachers and students flourish. Flourish Together in Learning! By working together, we can foster a learning environment that helps both teachers and students flourish. Review: Hands Are for Hugging, Not for WWE Tryouts - This book has been a lifesaver in teaching my toddler that hands are for things like hugging and helping—not smacking, swatting, or auditioning for toddler fight club. The Best Behavior series nails it again with simple words and pictures that somehow cut through the chaos and keep my kid engaged. The format is genius: start with what hands are for (“helping mommy clean up the million toys you dumped out”), then explain what they’re not for (“hitting mom because she dared to say no to a third snack”). It’s clear, gentle, and exactly what we needed to curb the tiny tornado of hands flying at inappropriate moments. We’ve even started using the book’s format in everyday life. “What are hands for?” gets a thoughtful response, while “What are they NOT for?” earns a little head tilt like they’re really pondering their choices. Anytime there’s a slip-up, out comes the book, and it’s like a magical toddler reboot. If your kid is testing the boundaries of what hands can do (spoiler: it’s not hitting), this book is a must-have. It’s effective and has definitely made our house a more peaceful place. Review: Good read - Its a great book to have to teach your kids not to hit. Its easy to understand, and it gives options on what else you can do with your hands









| Best Sellers Rank | #1,185 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1 in Children's Books on Violence #7 in Children's Manners Books #38 in Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 8,424 Reviews |
C**R
Hands Are for Hugging, Not for WWE Tryouts
This book has been a lifesaver in teaching my toddler that hands are for things like hugging and helping—not smacking, swatting, or auditioning for toddler fight club. The Best Behavior series nails it again with simple words and pictures that somehow cut through the chaos and keep my kid engaged. The format is genius: start with what hands are for (“helping mommy clean up the million toys you dumped out”), then explain what they’re not for (“hitting mom because she dared to say no to a third snack”). It’s clear, gentle, and exactly what we needed to curb the tiny tornado of hands flying at inappropriate moments. We’ve even started using the book’s format in everyday life. “What are hands for?” gets a thoughtful response, while “What are they NOT for?” earns a little head tilt like they’re really pondering their choices. Anytime there’s a slip-up, out comes the book, and it’s like a magical toddler reboot. If your kid is testing the boundaries of what hands can do (spoiler: it’s not hitting), this book is a must-have. It’s effective and has definitely made our house a more peaceful place.
A**I
Good read
Its a great book to have to teach your kids not to hit. Its easy to understand, and it gives options on what else you can do with your hands
S**D
Entertaining and inviting for toddlers
Got this book to help with my son who has recently entered a pushing stage. He loved the tabs on the side and that each page is its own color. The artwork keeps him entertained with a lot to look at.
P**A
Book
Great read for toddlers
M**K
Helpful social story for a special needs kiddo
Our son has been working with therapists to curb some aggression, and social stories are super helpful with that. This book has helped to reinforce the desired behavior of "kind hands" and because it is a board book, it has held up to many, many readings. The pictures are clear and simple to process and the messaging is very direct. It has been a help!
C**Y
Great book
My Great Niece was stating to hit others, so i bought it and read it to her.. I also previously purchased one to read to my classroom of 3 and 4 year old's
M**D
Easy for toddlers to learn the lesson
Love this author. We have many of these books. The simplicity of the lessons with the colorful illustrations are perfect for a toddler. Many options for teachable moments
Z**H
Helpful Message, Toddler-Approved
Hands Are Not for Hitting is another great book in this series. It helps teach an important lesson in a calm, simple way that young kids can understand. Our toddlers enjoy the illustrations and ask us to read it again and again. It’s been a helpful tool for reinforcing kind behavior and giving them words for big feelings. Definitely worth adding to your collection.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 weeks ago