What to Say Instead of Be Careful: 50 Great Things to Say Instead of Be Careful

Today’s article is all about what to say instead of be careful, you’re okay, and similar phrases we often say to our kids.

You may have heard that you’re not supposed to tell your kids things like, “Be careful!” or, “You’re okay!”.

So, what do I say instead of be careful??

Read this mega list below to figure out what to say instead of be careful!

Plus, keep reading for a few alternatives to good job, and you’re okay, and more also.

And, by the end, you’ll learn what to say instead next time (that your child will actually listen to). ♥

What to Say Instead of Be Careful

There’s nothing like looking up to realize your kid is doing something sketchy and getting that “ahhh!” feeling as your heart starts to race.

Keep these statements in mind for next time instead of blurting out, “Be careful!”.

Saying one of these instead will help your kid learn to be more in tune with their body and aware of their surroundings, which will actually help them, you know, be careful.

Here’s What to Say Instead of Be Careful

1. Do you feel safe?
2. What is your plan?
3. Do you see __ in front of you?
4. Look where your feet are going.
5. Put your hands down first.
6. Turn around and go feet first.
7. Keep an eye out for the __ (tree that’s about to hit you in the face, big puddle I don’t want you to jump in to, etc. 😜).
8. Try using your hands to hold onto __.
9. Is it your turn?
10. How do you want to get down?
11. Who will help you if you __ (slip, fall, etc.).
12. What can you use to __ (get across without slipping, go back up safely, etc.).
13. Do you have space?
14. Keep an eye out for anything dangerous.
15. Stay safe and stay aware.
16. Be mindful of your surroundings.
17. Pay attention to what’s up ahead.
18. Stay focused on the task at hand.
19. Be aware of what’s around you.
20. Keep an eye on your surroundings.
21. Take it slow here because ___.
22. Remember to be cautious.
23. Be alert and aware of your environment.
24. Think about what could go wrong.
25. Stay safe and stay alert.
26. Can you lead us in a way that lets everyone follow you?
27. Keep your eyes open and be aware.
28. Keep safety first in your mind.
29. Use caution and stay alert.
30. Be aware of potential dangers.
31. Use your flashlight for this part.
32. Stay aware of the ___ up ahead.
33. Use your best judgment to stay safe.
34. Be mindful of your actions.
35. Keep your safety in mind as you ___.
36. Be cautious and think things through.
37. Stay aware of your surroundings.
38. Be mindful of potential dangers.
39. Stay alert and aware of potential risks.
40. Be careful and stay safe.
41. Keep an eye out for potential hazards.
42. Be mindful of what’s around you.
43. Use your best judgment to stay safe.
44. Stay focused and be cautious.
45. Keep safety in mind at all times.
46. Use caution and be mindful of ___.
47. Stay focused on safety.
48. Keep your eyes peeled for ___.
49. Stay alert for the ___.
50. Let’s brainstorm a plan together before we ___.

What to Say Instead of Be Careful: Freebie! 👇

Now that we’ve covered what to say instead of be careful, I’ve got a few bonus tips for you!

What to Say Instead of You’re Okay

Now that you know what to say instead of be careful, you might want help replacing some similar phrases.

Try to remember to validate how your child is feeling by using some of these statements below, instead of saying, “You’re okay,”.

There’s a happy medium though, because “stop crying” and “calm down” doesn’t validate their feelings either.

You should also monitor your reaction to your child getting hurt, whenever possible.

Even big bumps can be checked on without tears, if you are able to react calmly and check on them using some of these suggestions.

@chasing.sage

♬ original sound – Chasing.Sage

Here’s What to Say Instead of You’re Okay

1. Are you okay?
2. You good?
3. Do you want a hug?
4. State or clarify what happened calmly (You fell/ Did you fall down?).
5. Are you scared or are you hurt?
6. I can see you __ (tripped, bumped your head, etc.).
7. Can you tell me how you’re feeling?
8. It’s okay to cry/ feel sad.
9. Can I help?
10. Do you want help?
11. And, for big moments (that aren’t an emergency), you can just be there for them, hold their hands, and wait for eye contact, ready to comfort them when they are ready and you’ve both collected yourselves.

What to Say Instead of Good Job

Not only am I trying to learn what to say instead of be careful, I’ve noticed that I also default to, “Good job!!” allll the time.

Even though I like hearing good job every now and then myself, I have definitely told my own child good job for every little thing lately.

The problem is that if “good job” is the only way you regularly praise your child, you’re not really describing what they did each time that made you proud.

Sometimes we say good job when we really mean thank you, writes psychologist Jim Taylor, Ph.D.

So, what should we say instead?

Here’s What to Say Instead of Good Job

1. Be specific and give feedback, like, “Thank you for helping out and putting your toys away where they go,”.
   • Being specific with praise helps children build patterns that stick for the long-term, while just saying good job does not.
2. Praise their effort, such as by saying, ” I saw you find a way around that rock when your bike got stuck. High five!”
3. Show that you recognize when they are being cooperative, respectful, or doing something they’d maybe rather not do.
   • Try something like, “I noticed you letting your sister go first on the swings. That made her so happy,”.
4. But, no matter what, avoid praising kids about the things they can’t control, such as their intelligence, physical attractiveness, or their athletic ability.

What You SHOULD Say to Your Kids At Any Time!

We’ve talked a lot about what to say instead of be careful, good job, and more.

But what should you say to your kids any chance you get?

Do you want to raise happy, self-sufficient, and confident kids with high self-esteem and a positive image of themselves?

Say these phrases as often as you can!

Much better than plain, old good job, right?

1. I’m proud of you.
2. You are a great person.
3. I like you.
4. I love being your mom/dad.
5. I missed you!
6. You did amazing.
7. You should be proud of yourself.
8. You’re getting better each time.
9. I knew you could do it.
10. You should feel proud of yourself.
11. Thank you for __.
12. I appreciate you.
13. I believe in you.
14. Can I have a hug?
15. You make me proud.
16. You are so kind.
17. You are so special to me.
18. I wish I could do __ like you can.
19. You are important.
20. You are so strong!
21. That was such a smart idea.
22. You’re the best.
23. You make me smile.
24. You are a great friend.
25. Your creativity amazes me.
26. I’m listening.
27. Thank you.
28. I’m here for you.
29. You are always fun to be with.
30. You impress me.
31. You’re so brave!
32. You are so talented at __.
33. You can do it.
34. What do you think? Tell me more.
35. I know how you feel.
36. I’m grateful for you.
37. I trust you.
38. We’re lucky to have you.
39. Thanks for trying.
40. I’ll help with that.
41. What do you want to do today?
42. You were right.
43. Can you show me how to __?
44. That’s a great question. I think __.
45. Want to come with me?
46. Go and try it. I’ll be here if you need me.
47. What could you do to figure it out?
48. Let’s find the answer together.
49. Let me know what you think.
50. I love you!

Now You Know What to Say Instead of Be Careful!

That’s a wrap for everything you need to know about what to say instead of be careful.

I hope reading these tips brought a smile to your face like it did mine!

Although it takes remembering what to say instead of be careful, you will love seeing how happy and cared these phrases makes your kids feel.

Do you know what to say instead of be careful? What else do you recomment Comment below!

I look forward to talking with you in the comments!

For everything homeschool, we can PlanIt! ♥

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