50 Things To Say To Kids Instead Of “Be Careful”
Why parents should avoid saying “be careful” to kids, and what to say instead that will help kids build critical thinking skills.
“Be careful!!”
I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve said that to my kids. It’s in our nature as parents to try to protect our kids from harm. So much so that there is the term “helicopter parent,” meaning a parent who hovers around their kids trying to keep them safe.
As innocent as those two words “be careful” might seem, they can be counterproductive. So I’ve been trying to look for alternatives to say to my kids instead of “be careful.” Switching up how you speak to you kids, even something seeming simple as this, can have powerful results for the rest of their lives.
Why You Should Stop Telling Your Kids To Be Careful
It’s not the end of the world if you do say “be careful.” But overusing those words can make your kids start to tune them out, or worse.
Here are a few reasons to avoid saying “be careful” and why you might want to consider a different phrase instead:
- It’s vague – “Be careful” is a broad statement that doesn’t offer specifics or actually tell a child how to be careful.
- It can increase anxiety – For some children, “be careful” can trigger worry by insinuating that a situation is dangerous, even if it really isn’t.
- It can undermine their confidence – Repeatedly telling a child to “be careful” can make them think that you don’t trust them.
- It forgoes opportunities for learning: By warning or scolding without guidance, you’re missing what could be a valuable moment to teach children about problem-solving and risk assessment.
- It can be overused – When you say “be careful” all the time, it can lose its meaning and urgency.
By using more specific and empowering language, you can:
- Help children develop their self awareness.
- Boost their confidence and build problem-solving skills.
- Encourage them to think critically about the consequences their actions.
- Create a more positive and supportive environment that will foster growth.
- Help them learn how to assess risk in a realistic way.
By choosing an alternative to “be careful,” you can shift the focus from simply warning your children, to actively teaching them how to navigate the world safely and with confidence.
50 Phrases To Say To Kids Instead Of “Be Careful”
Depending on the situation, there are so many alternatives to “be careful” that might make more sense or have a more positive impact. I’ve grouped them into categories, based on the task and what you hope to accomplish.
Focusing on Awareness & Attention:
- “Pay close attention to…”
- “Keep your eyes on…”
- “Look where you put your feet.”
- “Watch out for…”
- “Be aware of…”
- “Notice what’s around you.”
- “Observe your surroundings first.”
- “Stay alert.”
- “Stay focused on what you’re doing.”
- “Look ahead first.”
- “See if you have enough space.”
- “Can you see…”
- “Watch out for others.”
- “Scan the area.”
- “Did you notice…”
Focusing on Specific Actions & Techniques:
- “Hold on tight.”
- “Go slowly.”
- “Take your time.”
- “Use your hands to…”
- “Walk, don’t run.”
- “Climb carefully.”
- “Be mindful of…”
- “Use both hands.”
- “Get your balance first.”
- “Step gently.”
- “Get a good grip.”
- “Test it first.”
- “Use your tools properly.”
- “Stay close to the wall.”
- “Keep your distance.”
Focusing on Problem-Solving & Decision-Making:
- “What’s your plan?”
- “How can you do this safely?”
- “What’s the best way to do this?”
- “Do you need more space?”
- “How can you make sure you don’t fall?”
- “What could happen if…?”
- “Is there another way to do that?”
- “I’m here for you, how can I help?”
- “I see you’re feeling (insert emotion); how can we work through this?”
- “How can you make this more stable?”
Focusing on Confidence & Encouragement:
- “You’ve got this, just take it slow.”
- “I trust you to make a good decision.”
- “You can do it, but I am here for support if you need it.”
- “You are strong and capable.”
- “I know you can handle this.”
- “I have faith in you.”
- “Use the skills you’ve learned.”
- “You’re doing great so far, just stay focused.”
- “I’m here if you need me.”
- “How do you feel about this?”
Do you have any phrases that you’d add to the list? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
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