| Every parent who loves to sail wants to share that | | | | freezing from a brisk north wind and spray can really |
| experience with their kids. They hold thoughts of pulling | | | | spoil any person's idea of sailing. |
| lines hand in hand with their sons or daughters or | | | | 5. Let them drive the boat if they want to. Don't force |
| fighting that stiff N'oreaster on a beat to an anticipated | | | | them too but let them. Even if they don't steer |
| landfall. But too often, parents push kids too hard or | | | | perfectly, so what? Nothing makes a kid feel more |
| make the sailing experience more of a chore than a | | | | empowered on a boat than allowing them some helm |
| fun time. Here's a few tips that may help in keeping | | | | time. |
| your son and/or daughter interested instead of | | | | 6. Listen to them when they say they're tired and want |
| dreading the next sail outing and worst, completely | | | | to go home. I'm not saying turn the boat around and do |
| turning away from sailing. | | | | what they say but be understanding that they might |
| 1. First and foremost - lighten up! Sure, sailing safely and | | | | not be enjoying the trip as much as you. |
| efficiently requires one person calling the shots, you the | | | | 7. At the end of the day, there are always chores that |
| captain, but be mindful of how you give orders. Kids | | | | every hand needs to help with. But go easy on the |
| especially are impressionable in the way superiors | | | | kids, especially on the first few trips. Forcing them to |
| speak to them. Be understanding yet firm. It's no | | | | scrub the decks every time they come out or clean |
| different than the respectful parent/child relationship | | | | out the head and galley will only stick in their minds as "I |
| you should have at home. Just try not to be a Captain | | | | might as well have stayed home and cleaned my |
| Bligh barking out commands at every turn. | | | | room". They'll hate every time you suggest a sailing |
| 2. Especially for younger kids, have something else for | | | | day because all they'll think about is the work. Again, I'm |
| them to do on the boat. Bring games or videos that | | | | not saying they shouldn't be made to help along with |
| they can go to below when they get bored on deck. | | | | everyone else, just temper the work load especially at |
| And try not to be aggravated when they do go below | | | | first. |
| and spend their time doing something besides being in | | | | My main point in all of this is to be cognizant of the |
| the cockpit with you. They are kids. Forcing them to | | | | fact that your kids are not you. It's great that you're |
| stay out and doing chores on the boat will only feed a | | | | exposing them to sailing and they may just take to it |
| bad feeling of "sailing's too much work". | | | | like fish to water but they are kids and interest and |
| 3. For older kids, let them bring a friend along. If they | | | | attention spans are different than yours - no surprise |
| ask to stop sailing for a bit and want to jump off the | | | | there I'm sure. But with measured exposure to the |
| boat and swim, let them! The majority of kids who are | | | | sport and understanding of their feelings you may just |
| introduced to sailing by their parents aren't enamored | | | | be cultivating a sailing partner for life, one who will run |
| with the pure sailing aspect but rather the fun | | | | to the foredeck with pleasure to clear that fouled line |
| by-products sailing provides like swimming, fishing, laying | | | | without you even telling them. The may just make you |
| out in the sun, etc... | | | | proud and be a real asset on the boat as opposed to |
| 4. Have healthy snacks and treats on board and make | | | | a whining kid thinking only of themselves. Who knows, |
| sure kids are provided the right protection from the | | | | it may just help your relationship at home as well! |
| weather. Being uncomfortable from a sunburn or | | | | |