diff --git a/mysql/README.md b/mysql/README.md
index 8d3249c4f..462166c9a 100644
--- a/mysql/README.md
+++ b/mysql/README.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ Do note that there is no need to use this mechanism to create the root superuser
 
 ### `MYSQL_ALLOW_EMPTY_PASSWORD`
 
-Set to `yes` to allow the container to be started with a blank password for the root user. *NOTE*: Setting this variable to `yes` is not recommended unless you really know what you are doing, since this will leave your MySQL instance completely unprotected, allowing anyone to gain complete superuser access.
+This is an optional variable. Set to `yes` to allow the container to be started with a blank password for the root user. *NOTE*: Setting this variable to `yes` is not recommended unless you really know what you are doing, since this will leave your MySQL instance completely unprotected, allowing anyone to gain complete superuser access.
 
 # Caveats
 
diff --git a/mysql/content.md b/mysql/content.md
index 81f41a929..791c3d3c6 100644
--- a/mysql/content.md
+++ b/mysql/content.md
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ Do note that there is no need to use this mechanism to create the root superuser
 
 ### `MYSQL_ALLOW_EMPTY_PASSWORD`
 
-Set to `yes` to allow the container to be started with a blank password for the root user. *NOTE*: Setting this variable to `yes` is not recommended unless you really know what you are doing, since this will leave your MySQL instance completely unprotected, allowing anyone to gain complete superuser access.
+This is an optional variable. Set to `yes` to allow the container to be started with a blank password for the root user. *NOTE*: Setting this variable to `yes` is not recommended unless you really know what you are doing, since this will leave your MySQL instance completely unprotected, allowing anyone to gain complete superuser access.
 
 # Caveats