The Day Leo Said I HATE YOU!
on Goodreads (217)
What’s inside...
In a reassuring manner, Robie H. Harris and Molly Bang portray what happens when a little boy feels SO frustrated and SO mad at a parent who has said NO all day long. In this family book about what it feels like to say--and hear--those other three words, Harris and Bang delicately navigate the most profound bonds between a parent and a child. No More NO's! I HATE No! And actually, right now--I HATE YOU!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when Leo said 'I HATE YOU' to his mom? Have you ever felt that way?
What do you think Leo's mom felt when she heard those words? Why?
Leo and his mom made up at the end. What are some ways we can fix things when we say something hurtful?
Why do you think it's important to apologize if we hurt someone's feelings?
How can we express our anger or frustration without hurting others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child’s feelings before diving into the discussion. Recognize that feeling angry or upset is normal, and then guide them to understand the impact of their words.
Use the story as a reference point during your conversation to keep your child engaged and relate the scenarios back to their personal experiences.
Encourage your child to come up with alternative ways to express strong emotions, suggesting phrases they can use or actions they can take instead of hurtful words.
While discussing the resolution between Leo and his mom, emphasize the value of forgiveness and understanding in all relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: Leo's outburst of 'I hate you!' to his mother illustrates the normalcy of expressing strong emotions, even negative ones.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is okay to express their feelings openly but should do so respectfully.
Example Lesson: Resolution and Reconciliation
Explanation: After Leo's outburst, the story shows him and his mother reconciling, teaching the importance of resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the importance of making amends and maintaining healthy relationships after disagreements.
Example Lesson: Understanding Limits and Boundaries
Explanation: Leo's mother setting limits on what is acceptable behavior teaches children about boundaries.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect boundaries set by parents and educators, which are crucial for social interaction.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Consideration
Explanation: The story portrays the mother’s feelings, providing a platform for children to understand how their actions affect others.
Real-World Application: This encourages empathy and teaches children to consider other people’s emotions before acting.