Behavior & Big Feelings
Kicking Social Story
Two ready-to-read versions of a social story about kicking: a gentle one that names the mad feeling and practices safe feet, and a firmer We Do Not Kick version for families who want the rule and its consequences spelled out. Read both below, then personalize the one that fits.
Download the printable PDF
Print the story as-is, no email required. Match the pictures to your child and pick your page layout, then download.
The story
Read the full story below. In the maker you can add your child's name, swap pictures, and print it as a booklet.
Keeping My Feet Safe
A social story about big feelings and safe feet
- 1I use my feet to walk, run, and play.Describes
- 2
Sometimes I feel mad or frustrated. Everyone feels mad sometimes. That is okay.Describes - 3When I feel mad, my feet might want to kick.Describes
- 4
Kicking can hurt people. It can make them feel sad or scared.Describes - 5I will try to keep my feet on the floor when I feel mad.Coaches
- 6
I can stomp my feet on the floor, push against a wall, or ask a grown-up for help.Coaches - 7
When I use safe feet, my friends feel safe playing with me.Describes - 8
My family is proud of me when I try to use safe feet.Describes
We Do Not Kick: the direct version
We Do Not Kick
A social story about the consequences of kicking
- 1Sometimes I feel mad or frustrated and want to kick.Describes
- 2
We do not kick. Kicking hurts other people.Coaches - 3Kicking is not a safe choice. If I kick, my friends might feel sad or scared.Describes
- 4
If I kick, I might have to leave the game or sit out for a while.Describes - 5
Instead, I can keep my feet on the floor and count to 10.Coaches - 6
I can tell a grown-up, "I feel mad."Coaches
The direct version uses firmer wording. Many families start gentle and switch only if the gentle version is not landing.
When to use this story
Use this story when your child kicks during frustration, overwhelm, or play that gets too rough. Read it at a calm moment, never right after an incident, and reread it before the settings where kicking tends to show up, like car seats, waiting in line, or sibling play. Pick the version that matches how your family already talks about behavior.
The gentle version describes before it coaches. It starts from what feet are for, walking, running, and playing, names the mad feeling as normal, and only then explains that kicking hurts and offers replacements: stomping on the floor, pushing against a wall, or asking a grown-up for help.
The direct version is shorter and consequence-forward. It states the rule, We do not kick, notes that kicking can mean leaving the game or sitting out, and scripts two alternatives, keeping feet on the floor while counting to 10 and telling a grown-up about the mad feeling. Some children do better with a rule stated this plainly.
Kicking often happens where a child is stuck: strapped into a car seat, waiting in a line, or sitting at a table. Where hitting usually needs a target within reach, kicking does not, so the replacements in this story are ones that work while seated. Pairing the story with noticing when the kicking happens tends to matter more than the story alone.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I read a kicking social story with my child?
- At calm, connected times, like after a snack or before bed, and again shortly before situations where kicking tends to happen, such as a car journey or a wait. Reading it in the heat of the moment does not work well, because a child mid-meltdown cannot take in a story. Regular calm reads build the habit the story describes.
- What is the difference between the gentle and direct versions?
- The gentle version follows Carol Gray's describing-first approach: it validates the mad feeling and spends most of its pages on context before suggesting safe feet. The direct version states the rule plainly, We do not kick, right after naming the mad feeling, and names consequences like leaving the game. Choose whichever matches your child and your family's language.
- Why does my child kick rather than hit?
- Kicking often shows up where a child is restrained or seated, in a car seat, a stroller, at a table, or waiting in a line, because feet are still free when hands are occupied or a target is out of reach. That is why the replacements in this story work sitting down: stomping the floor, pushing against a wall, and counting while feet stay down.
- Will a social story stop my child from kicking?
- A story alone rarely changes behavior overnight. What it can do is give your child language for the mad feeling and a rehearsed alternative that works in the moment. Many families see progress when the story is paired with consistent responses and attention to what sets the kicking off.
- Is there a cost to print this kicking story?
- No, for both versions. The full text of each is on this page, and the maker turns either one into a printable booklet at no cost, with your child's name and photos if you add them.
- Who developed social stories?
- Social Stories were developed by Carol Gray in the early 1990s. The gentle version of this template follows her published guidance, including describing more than coaching, but Spectrum Unlocked is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carol Gray.
Related stories
Hitting Social Story
A social story for kids who hit when big feelings take over. Choose the gentle version or the firmer We Do Not Hit version, then print either one free.
Biting Social Story
When a child bites, everyone needs a plan. This printable social story explains that teeth are for food and offers safe things to chew instead. Free to edit.
Throwing Things Social Story
Read the full story about safe hands and things that fly, then print it free. Written for kids who throw toys or food when anger or excitement gets big.
Related guides
Social Stories were developed by Carol Gray. Spectrum Unlocked is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carol Gray; the gentle version of this template follows her published describe-more-than-coach guidance.