Why Should I?

A gentle picture book that examines the issue of respect in a reassuring way – perfect for young children who struggle with respecting possessions, or other people’s space or opinions. The story offers a way in to talk about what respect is and why it is important, reinforcing good behaviour. At the end of the story, there are notes for parents and teachers with suggestions of ways to help children deal with the big emotions they experience.

Arin really struggles with showing respect for his own possessions or those of others. He doesn’t see why he should respect other people’s space or opinions either. But when everyone gets upset with him, Arin feels upset, too. Grandpa helps to explain how being respectful shows care for others, and how treating others how he wishes to be treated himself will make him, and others, feel happier.

This book is part of a series, Our Emotions and Behaviour, which is perfect for sharing with children as a gentle means of identifying and discussing their emotions, boosting their confidence and helping social and emotional development. Each book has a fun story which is backed up by suggestions for activities and ideas to talk through together and a wordless storyboard for children to tell a story themselves and reinforce the story’s message. The series supports the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.