Safe Hands When I am Mad: Social Story

Help children learn safe, positive ways to respond when they feel angry, frustrated, or overwhelmed.

Safe Hands When I’m Mad is a seven-page visual social story that gently teaches children that feeling mad is okay, while hitting is not a safe choice.

Through simple, child-friendly language, rhyming text, and colorful visuals, the story introduces practical alternatives children can use when their bodies feel ready to hit or fight.

Children will learn to:

• Recognize feelings of anger and frustration
• Understand the importance of keeping their hands safe
• Take slow, deep breaths
• Ask for a hug or a break
• Use words when plans or routines change
• Squeeze a pillow or use sensory toys
• Choose calming activities
• Ask a trusted adult for support
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This resource is ideal for children who need extra support with emotional regulation, safe behavior, and communicating their needs. It can be used by families, teachers, behavior professionals, therapists, counselors, and other clinicians at home, in classrooms, or during individual support sessions.

For the best results, read the story regularly during calm moments and practice the strategies together so they are easier to remember when big feelings arise.

What’s included:

• One seven-page printable PDF social story
• Clear, colorful visuals
• Simple calming strategies and replacement behaviors

Please note: This is a digital download. No physical product will be shipped. This resource is intended for educational support and is not a substitute for individualized medical, behavioral, or therapeutic advice.