If you catch yourself saying "be careful" almost without intention as your child explores and plays, listen here! Today on Beyond Motherhood Radio we hear phrases to replace "be careful" as well as some ways we can see risky play as a benefit to our children, and not a threat.

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?

It’s important that we let our kids engage in risky or challenging play because it’s a great way for them to practice problem solving skills.

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?

Apt wording + concise thoughts from backwoods mama blog.

I invite you to send any questions, topic suggestions, or connect further by emailing me at beyondmotherhoodradio@gmail.com. I would truly appreciate if you left a rating and review to help this podcast grow & reach more caretakers.

As always, thanks for listening in!

Brittany

@brittany_lajoie