Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas, Austin is a botanic garden dedicated to conservation of native plants in natural and designed landscapes. It has public gardens, natural areas, education and outreach programs, research projects, and does consulting work throughout Texas and surrounding region.

What to Say Instead

Stop Telling Kids to "Be Careful" and What to Say Instead (from Backwoods Mama Feb 2018)

Why and What To Do and Say Instead

• Stop
• Breathe
• Reflect
• Respond

Fostering Awareness
Try saying:

• Notice how… these rocks are slippery, the log is rotten, that branch is strong.
• Do you see… the poison ivy, your friends nearby?
• Try moving… your feet slowly, carefully, quickly, strongly.
• Try using your… hands, feet, arms, legs.
• Can you hear… the rushing water, the singing birds, the wind?
• Do you feel… stable on that rock, the heat from the fire?
• Are you feeling… scared, excited, tired, safe?

Encourage Problem Solving
Help them out by asking:

• What’s your plan… if you climb that boulder, cross that log?
• What can you use… to get across, for your adventure?
• Where will you… put that rock, climb that tree, dig that hole?
• How will you…. get down, go up, get across?
• Who will… be with you, go with you, help you if?