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?