Experts suggest that repeated use of the phrase 'Be careful' may lose its meaning for young children, leading to desensitization toward actual dangers. Parenting professionals stress that this common caution, meant to protect, can trigger anxiety and be ineffective. Instead of simply warning children, parents are encouraged to allow kids to safely take risks, which is crucial for their development. It raises the challenge of teaching caution without fostering fear, akin to how certain praises may invalidate a child's efforts.
"When we say, 'Be careful,' all the time on repeat, it just starts to mean nothing to them. For little kids, a lot of times, that phrase just isn't specific enough for them." - Deena Margolin, licensed marriage and family therapist.
"So the dangerous thing is happening and they're like, 'Whatever,' and they keep going. When you follow your kid around and go, 'Be careful, be careful, be careful,' suddenly they're tuning you out every time." - Kristin Gallant, parenting coach.
"Letting them take risks and explore things and mess up, like that is all so good for their development. How can we teach them to really be careful without making them nervous or fearful?" - Deena Margolin.
"We have such good intentions behind it - we love our kids so, so much, we want them to be safe, but we're not being specific enough." - Deena Margolin.
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