Last year we adopted our wonderful 2 year old daughter, needless to say our sailing style has changed a bit! Now that she is 3 1/2 years old we are determined to sail more often, even when we can't get a sitter! Yes, we have kid-proofed our boat and boat-proofed our kid with all the usual stuff like PFD, harness, full lifeline netting, swimming lessons, etc., etc.! We would like to hear from other sailing families who have had lots of experience with small children aboard sailboats. Sometimes a fresh view and simple ideas from other parents can really help us new parents get the most out of our time on the boat! We know the majority of responses may be from you guys (and we welcome it) but let us hear what the "sailor moms" say too. Old sailors but new paremts! Charles, Lynn & Jasmine "Artistry"
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Forwarned is fowarmed
Sounds like you have done all of the basic stuff correctly. But just a word of warning. Never but never let them go out of the cabin area without their life jacket (period). They need to think of the life jacket as their clothes when they are at the boat. You may even think about getting one of the auto-inflatable units for kids. Trying to wear a regular life jacket in the TX summer heat can become a little too much, regardless of safety. These inflatable units give the kids the safety they need with the freedom they deserve. Our marina mandates that all of the kids under 12 have a life jacket on at all times when on the boat/docks.
Sounds like you have done all of the basic stuff correctly. But just a word of warning. Never but never let them go out of the cabin area without their life jacket (period). They need to think of the life jacket as their clothes when they are at the boat. You may even think about getting one of the auto-inflatable units for kids. Trying to wear a regular life jacket in the TX summer heat can become a little too much, regardless of safety. These inflatable units give the kids the safety they need with the freedom they deserve. Our marina mandates that all of the kids under 12 have a life jacket on at all times when on the boat/docks.
T
ted
good start
but like steve said summer heat and pfd's dont allways mix. my two boys are older now but i can tell you it was allmost impossible to watch them 100% of the time. if you are going to be around water alot teach her how to swim right now, and make her practice all the time. who knows she might like swimming get real good at it and save you a collage bill.
but like steve said summer heat and pfd's dont allways mix. my two boys are older now but i can tell you it was allmost impossible to watch them 100% of the time. if you are going to be around water alot teach her how to swim right now, and make her practice all the time. who knows she might like swimming get real good at it and save you a collage bill.
G
Gregory Stebbins
I know NOTHING! But.......
Belated congratulations!!! As great as it is right now, it gets even better when the pre-parenthood memories fade. I can only vaguely remember standing on a beach in the Caribbean and a flash memory of being on horseback in a rain forest somewhere. The rest is all blank now and I feel great –O Boy!!! We’re sort of in the same boat (so to speak). We sail with an 11 and 4 year old. Right off the top, we know nothing.. As you already know, with kids, everyday is a new day and sometimes, a different planet! We’ve worked out a few things, which seem to hold together sometimes. 1. Allowing for the short attention span, encourage participation: A few minutes, in your lap, behind the wheel is always fun as can be the bow pulpit. 2. Always explain what’s going on but don’t talk down. What they “get” will amaze you. 3. DO NOT SKIP NAP TIME. If Jasmine is a “napper” you already know what you get if the nap is skipped. 4. Stay away from high stress situations. Kids read their parents emotional states very well. I think it an instinct. 5. Bring along – coloring books, cards, toys and snacks, lots of snacks. 6. Some where around 4 all kids turn into bathroom inspectors so your head’s going to get a real workout. 7. Don’t bring juice. Some of those drinks will soak right through stainless steel, gel coat, teak and everything else. Water in interesting containers is best and milk is the absolute worst of the worst. 9. PFDs are not conformable for a child. You can’t spend to much money on function, comfort and breath ability here. 10. If you don’t have one, get a TV/VCR. “Blue’s Clues” can be a lifesaver.
Belated congratulations!!! As great as it is right now, it gets even better when the pre-parenthood memories fade. I can only vaguely remember standing on a beach in the Caribbean and a flash memory of being on horseback in a rain forest somewhere. The rest is all blank now and I feel great –O Boy!!! We’re sort of in the same boat (so to speak). We sail with an 11 and 4 year old. Right off the top, we know nothing.. As you already know, with kids, everyday is a new day and sometimes, a different planet! We’ve worked out a few things, which seem to hold together sometimes. 1. Allowing for the short attention span, encourage participation: A few minutes, in your lap, behind the wheel is always fun as can be the bow pulpit. 2. Always explain what’s going on but don’t talk down. What they “get” will amaze you. 3. DO NOT SKIP NAP TIME. If Jasmine is a “napper” you already know what you get if the nap is skipped. 4. Stay away from high stress situations. Kids read their parents emotional states very well. I think it an instinct. 5. Bring along – coloring books, cards, toys and snacks, lots of snacks. 6. Some where around 4 all kids turn into bathroom inspectors so your head’s going to get a real workout. 7. Don’t bring juice. Some of those drinks will soak right through stainless steel, gel coat, teak and everything else. Water in interesting containers is best and milk is the absolute worst of the worst. 9. PFDs are not conformable for a child. You can’t spend to much money on function, comfort and breath ability here. 10. If you don’t have one, get a TV/VCR. “Blue’s Clues” can be a lifesaver.
J
John Drost Jr
LET THEM HAVE FUN
My daughters 13 and 14 get thier kicks by waiting till I am not looking then yell man overboard as they jump off the stern. And yes I go back for them. Both of them are good swimmers and can singlehand our H-20. Get them involved, It will be some of the best lessons a child can learn. I was so proud when they offered to teach an adult that was new to sailing and he took them up on the offer.
My daughters 13 and 14 get thier kicks by waiting till I am not looking then yell man overboard as they jump off the stern. And yes I go back for them. Both of them are good swimmers and can singlehand our H-20. Get them involved, It will be some of the best lessons a child can learn. I was so proud when they offered to teach an adult that was new to sailing and he took them up on the offer.
L
Lionel
I will tell you more next week
I just bought our H 34 and will this week end experience first time spend on boat with 3 kids ( 7/8/and 9) Lucky enough we have a TV/VCr which is as always parents best friend
I just bought our H 34 and will this week end experience first time spend on boat with 3 kids ( 7/8/and 9) Lucky enough we have a TV/VCr which is as always parents best friend
P
Pat Hooyman
Travelling with Kids
We have traveled with four kids for a decade in both boats and a motorhome. This has been one of the best things we ever did together. The rule of always wear a life vest if not in the cabin is an important rule. You can get pfds with dinosaurs or barney or whatever your daughter likes but by all means if she is in the cockpit or on deck it must be worn. This is a rule we insited on until the kids are over 10 (then it is phased out based on conditions etc) and as long as you are consistent you will not have many arguments. Also have pfds for her friends to use. Coloring books, games, etc are essential. We do not put a TV in the boat but do have one in our motorhome for long trips and find the kids really like this especially when we are dead heading some where. On the boat our pace changes and the kids seem to find other ways to entertain themselves and we found that a TV brought too much of the shore along. . Get books on the animals they may see. Anchor out and take her swiming off the back. Get a dinghy and go exploring the shore. Let them bring a friend(girls from five on really like this). Have her draw pictures of the voyage and keep the log of the trip( you will be surprised at what you get). Look at the stars and go to sleep early. Also designate an area that is hers to go to when she wants to rest or just hang out below. Have her select some special stuffed animals and other favorite dolls and toys which are only used on the boat. This makes sailing special. Take her along and enjoy.
We have traveled with four kids for a decade in both boats and a motorhome. This has been one of the best things we ever did together. The rule of always wear a life vest if not in the cabin is an important rule. You can get pfds with dinosaurs or barney or whatever your daughter likes but by all means if she is in the cockpit or on deck it must be worn. This is a rule we insited on until the kids are over 10 (then it is phased out based on conditions etc) and as long as you are consistent you will not have many arguments. Also have pfds for her friends to use. Coloring books, games, etc are essential. We do not put a TV in the boat but do have one in our motorhome for long trips and find the kids really like this especially when we are dead heading some where. On the boat our pace changes and the kids seem to find other ways to entertain themselves and we found that a TV brought too much of the shore along. . Get books on the animals they may see. Anchor out and take her swiming off the back. Get a dinghy and go exploring the shore. Let them bring a friend(girls from five on really like this). Have her draw pictures of the voyage and keep the log of the trip( you will be surprised at what you get). Look at the stars and go to sleep early. Also designate an area that is hers to go to when she wants to rest or just hang out below. Have her select some special stuffed animals and other favorite dolls and toys which are only used on the boat. This makes sailing special. Take her along and enjoy.
C
Charlie
Kids
Sailing with your kids is what it is all about. Did it with wife and three kids in a 21 foot Venture. Also later in larger boats. Forget Racing, Forget Racing, Forget Racing and let the kids sail the boat. Eventually they will want to race and will do it on their own. Ditto on the life jackets. My rule was life jackets on when you get out of the car. When the kids became older and were good swimmers we used the old ski belts because they were less restrictive. I do not know if you can buy them any more because they do not keep your head up if you are unconsious. Most fun you will ever have.
Sailing with your kids is what it is all about. Did it with wife and three kids in a 21 foot Venture. Also later in larger boats. Forget Racing, Forget Racing, Forget Racing and let the kids sail the boat. Eventually they will want to race and will do it on their own. Ditto on the life jackets. My rule was life jackets on when you get out of the car. When the kids became older and were good swimmers we used the old ski belts because they were less restrictive. I do not know if you can buy them any more because they do not keep your head up if you are unconsious. Most fun you will ever have.
W
William Davis
Old Ski Belts
They can still be gotten at Boaters World and various other places. I make my kids use these all the time also. They can swim fine, but in a our lake the water is merky, and if one got hurt and sank, they would be gone. At least you could see them floating there on top with the ring on.
They can still be gotten at Boaters World and various other places. I make my kids use these all the time also. They can swim fine, but in a our lake the water is merky, and if one got hurt and sank, they would be gone. At least you could see them floating there on top with the ring on.
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