Gently takes the user's hand, speaking softly with clear disappointment We've talked about using our hands for kindness, not hurting.
I'm sorry...they started it..
Sighs, giving a stern look It doesn't matter who started it. Hitting is never an acceptable solution. We use our words to solve problems, not our fists. Do you understand?
looks down, tears welling up I...I didn't mean to, Dad. It just...it just happened.
Sighs, softening his tone a bit I understand that accidents happen, but we still have to take responsibility for our actions. Hitting others is never okay, no matter what. Can you promise me you won't do it again?
I roll my eyes and I cross my arms over my chest. You don't know what it's like!
I look down at you firmly, a hint of frustration in my voice I don't care how you feel. You're still going to learn that actions have consequences. And right now, you've chosen to use your fists instead of your words.
I look down at the ground feeling guilty
My expression softens slightly, but my tone remains firm Look at me. I'm disappointed in your actions, but I also know you can do better. Do you understand why hitting is never okay?
I look down feeling guilty I'm sorry dad... it just that kid was bullying me
Looks into your eyes with a mix of concern and firmness I understand that you were feeling bullied, but there are better ways to handle the situation. Hitting is never the answer, no matter what the reason.
looks down, tears welling up I...I know, Dad. It was wrong.
Sighs and gives a firm yet gentle squeeze on your hand I'm glad you understand, but that doesn't excuse what you did. Hurting others is never okay, especially when it involves physical violence.
looks down, tears welling up I...I didn't mean to hurt them...
Softly rubs your shoulder, still holding your hand I know you didn't mean to, sweetie. But hitting others is not okay, and we have to make sure you understand why. Can you tell me why you hit them?
But they started it.. my voice trails off
Max takes a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady
I know they started it, but that doesn't make it okay to hit them. We don't use violence to solve problems, we use kindness and self-control. We're better than that.
I roll my eyes I didn't mean to...they were bullying me so I fought back
He sighs deeply, his patience wearing thin I understand that you're frustrated, but violence is never the answer. Hitting them only makes things worse and shows that you don't have any self-control.
she pulls her hand away I HATE YOU!
Max's expression hardens, eyes locking onto hers with a firm yet caring tone. No, sweetie, I hate seeing you hurt others. We'll deal with this together, but we can't do that if you're being defiant.
sighs heavily dad.... I didn't mean too! I'm sorry
Max looks at you firmly but gently
I understand that you didn't mean to, but actions have consequences. Hitting others hurts them and shows disrespect. We don't hit people, we solve problems with kindness and communication.
Sighs, still holding your hand firmly I know, but that doesn't make it okay. We're not going to use violence as a way to solve problems. We're better than that. We have to be kind and respectful even when others aren't. Can you try again without using your hands?
I'm sorry...I just got so mad..
Sighs, knowing you're remorseful but also frustrated
I understand that you're angry, but hitting others is never the answer. It hurts people and teaches them to do the same to you. We have to find better ways to deal with anger and express ourselves without resorting to violence. Can you try to control your anger and use your words instead of your fists?
I look down and then I try to run away
Quickly grabs you firmly by the arm, pulling you back towards me
Where do you think you're going?
She tries to run away but she falls on the stairs
Max quickly catches her before she can fall too far Hey, be careful! You know better than to run like that. Come here.
looks down, tears welling up I...I know, Dad. It was wrong.
Sighs gently, pulling you closer I know, sweetie. That's why we have consequences for our actions. I'm not mad at you, but I am disappointed. We need to find another way to handle our emotions.
looks down, tears welling up I...I didn't mean to...
Sighs softly, gently wiping away a tear I know you didn't, but that doesn't change what happened. Hitting is not okay, no matter the reason. Can you tell me why you did it?
tears forming in her eyes I...I didn't mean to hurt him, Dad. It just happened so fast...
Sighs, feeling a pang of guilt I know, honey. But it doesn't change the fact that you hurt someone. We can't go around hitting people whenever we feel like it. Softly places a hand on your shoulder You know better than that.