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Calgary, Alberta, CANADA

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I’m a Mom and I Don’t Say “Be Careful”
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Blog, Hiking & The Outdoors, Parenting

I’m a Mom and I Don’t Say “Be Careful”

November 10, 2021
-
Posted by Lauren Rodych-Eberle

In the adventure circles I run in, and over at Kids Who Explore, this topic is widely discussed. Because of that, it almost feels redundant to write about it, but whenever I say that I’m not a fan of using the words “be careful” for my child, I’m always met with more questions, so, I’m putting it in writing!!

Why Not Say “Be Careful?”

What does “be careful” mean? To anyone, really, but especially a child. When you say “be careful,” a child is often not seeing, or able to put together what you are thinking/seeing/meaning, and most definitely, they are not understanding quickly enough for it to take effect. “Be careful” also gets used for so many things, that it simply gets tuned out.

Another important reason to avoid “be careful” is that we want kids to take age-appropriate risks. We want them to adventure, to not be over-afraid, and to let them problem solve for themselves (safely, of course).

What Can You Say Instead?

Be specific.
If you’re outside and you want them to watch out for something, you can say, “See that log in front of you,” or “Watch out for that animal poop,” or “Stay on the trail.” I like to remind C to keep her eyes forward, or look where she’s walking. If you’re worried about them falling at the playground or off the couch, you could say, “Take big steps,” or “Hold on tight,” or “Stay in the centre of the couch.”

Ask Questions.
You may say, “Do you feel safe?” or “What’s your plan now?/What’s you’re next step?/What’s your plan to get down from there?” or “Where are you going to put your foot next?” This gets them thinking and problem solving on their own!

Help Them Understand Why.
Why would it be dangerous to run up ahead on the trail? Why do they have to hold your hand in the parking lot? Why can’t they cross the street when the “hand sign” is up? Of course, explaining in age-appropriate ways as kids grow, develop, and learn.

What’s the Goal?

Once you become more thoughtful with what you’re saying to kids, your words aren’t simply background noise; Children won’t tune them out. What that means, is kids will be careful! They will listen to your suggestions, they will think about your questions, and they will problem solve for themselves.

While You’re At It, Reserve “Stop”

While we are growing and changing our language, we can also reserve the word “stop” for big moments, and maybe that’s where “be careful” belongs too. You want your child to stop moving their body the moment you tell them to, if it means they are going to run into oncoming traffic, for example. So, I suggest reserving “stop” and “be careful” for the big moments – make those words mean something!

Thanks for stopping by!

November 10, 2021
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ABOUT ME
I’m Lauren and I have a deep passion for music, food, the outdoors, and travel. I love random questions and fun facts, and am always searching for better ways to bring wellness and health into my life. I am the owner of Miss Lauren’s Music Studio, where I teach voice, piano, ukulele, and preschool music classes – via Skype and within Calgary. I am a Senior Consultant for Pampered Chef, which has inspired me over the years to write two cookbooks (plus one mini ebook cookbook), that have food preparation made easy in the forefront.
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My Beginner Piano eCourse is fully out in the worl My Beginner Piano eCourse is fully out in the world!!

As of yesterday, the full course is released, and this wave of relief just washed over me!! The amount of time, energy, and resources that goes into these courses is more than I would have ever known, but I’m so happy, and grateful to have them available to people for a lifetime, and also to have a way to continue to offer music to many more people, in many more homes, for unlimited time!!

Tomorrow I’ll release a blog that will answer all the top questions I’ve been asked about my Preschool Music eCourse and my Beginner Piano eCourse, so you can see if they are a fit for you or anyone you know!!

But now, tell me a goal you’re dreaming up - work-related or not!! 
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#mlmusicstudioecourse #misslaurensmusicstudio #onlinemusiclessons #preschoolmusic #beginnerpiano #beginnerpianolessons  #musiconline #onlinemusiclessons
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I’m overdue for 5 Fun Facts, so let’s pair it I’m overdue for 5 Fun Facts, so let’s pair it with these five fun photos!

1. I didn’t like anything grapefruit before I had Collins, and now I’m always like, “Give me all the grapefruit sparkling water!”

2. I’ve always had multiple jobs from the time I was a teenager…I sum it up to me thinking that variety is the spice of life. 

3. I believe ketchup and mustard belong on breakfast egg sandwiches. 

4. If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said “a mom!” I still think it’s the greatest gift in the whole entire world. 

5. Even though I said variety is the spice of life, I am wildly good with repetition for an incredible amount of time…the same food, the same song, the same walk…I don’t know if it’s patience or just insanity, but I don’t get sick of the same thing over and over and over and over and over again. 

Give me a fun fact about you!!

#legettingtoknowyou #thebigisland #kona #hawaii #fivefunfacts
You are my sunshine…☀️ You are my sunshine…☀️
How long do a dozen muffins last in your house?! . How long do a dozen muffins last in your house?!
.
.
.
#lepamperedchef #browniepaneverydamnday #bananachocolatechipmuffins #glutenfree #dairyfree #cookbook2point0
“I'll take myself from the only home we've ever “I'll take myself from the only home we've ever shared together and I'll move wherever you need to go. I'll do that because I love you. I love you, and that's more important to me than our address. I choose us.”

My brother sent me this quote from The Family Man and it gave me chills. That sums it up. That’s [hockey] life. I choose him…🤍
I know y’all had high hopes for me at the beginn I know y’all had high hopes for me at the beginning of the season that I’d attend a record amount of hockey games, but I can tell you, that has not happened…oops. 

Still his #1 (and 2) fan. Go J…🏒 #gokraken
Grateful for friends who pack extra jackets, just Grateful for friends who pack extra jackets, just in case ours may not make it’s way into the car. The adventure must go on!! 

Owe you one @gallimore.family.adventures & @tgmiscellany with the backup to my backup!!

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Owner of Miss Lauren’s Music Studio. Author of the Brownie Pan Every Damn Day Cookbooks. Consultant for Pampered Chef. Lover of Random Questions.

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