in Food for Thought

Don’t say “be careful”…

Help your child foster awareness by saying:

  • Notice how… these rocks are slippery, that branch is strong.
  • Do you see… the poison ivy, your friends nearby?
  • Try moving… your feet 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?

Help your child problem solve by saying:

  • 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?