with Jes, Founder, Empowered ABA

Gentle Hands

A real-life plan for hitting, biting, pushing and kicking.

Hitting, biting and kicking are some of the most common — and most stressful — behaviors in young children. They're also very teachable. This guide walks you through keeping everyone safe in the moment, figuring out what the behavior is doing for your child, and teaching the skill that replaces it, step by step.

Get the Guide — $19

Instant access after purchase · Printable PDF

Not ready? Start with the free Gentle Hands Quick Plan.

“Your child isn't a “hitter.” They're still learning a faster way to say what they need.”

What's inside

Safety first: blocking, protecting siblings, and what to do if your child bites and holds on
The four reasons kids hit, with real examples so you can spot yours
Prevention for your child's hot spots: car seat, siblings, transitions, playdates
An in-the-moment plan and a “say this instead” script
How to repair afterward without lectures or shame
The picture story “My Hands Can Help” and practice games for calm times
Handling daycare reports and working with teachers
A 14-day plan, trackers and a one-page fridge card

This guide is for you if…

  • Your child hits, bites, pushes or kicks — you, a sibling, or other kids
  • You've had the daycare call, or you hold your breath at playdates
  • You've tried “we don't hit” and timeouts, and it keeps happening
  • You want to respond calmly instead of reacting on the spot

An honest approach

  • Safety comes first. In the moment you block, protect, and keep everyone safe. Teaching happens later, in calm moments — that isn't letting it slide; it's how the skill gets learned.
  • This guide is educational and is not a substitute for individualized assessment, medical care, or therapy. If the aggression is intense or escalating, please also talk with your pediatrician.

From families

You're not doing this alone.

Shared anonymously, with permission.

These resources feel like they were written for my actual family — not a textbook family. I keep coming back to them.
Mom of a 3-year-old
For the first time, someone explained the why behind my child's hardest moments instead of just handing me a chart. We are both less overwhelmed.
Parent of a 5-year-old
Small steps, real strategies, zero judgment. That combination is rare.
Foster dad of a 4-year-old

Know exactly what to do in the first five seconds.

A safer replacement skill, taught and celebrated, so every caregiver knows the plan and the hitting happens less and less.

  • Know exactly what to do in the first five seconds
  • See the pattern behind the hitting — and interrupt it
  • Teach and celebrate a safer replacement skill
Get the Guide — $19

Instant access · $19

This guide is educational and is not a substitute for individualized assessment, medical care, or therapy.