Keeping young kids occupied while sailing

[john_morris_uk]

Re: Not allowing DVD\'s

I admit that we do have a DVD player on board in the shape of my wife's lap-top. However SWMBO uses it for school work and son is not allowed to play games on it.

Regarding what is best for a child's developing mind. I am sure a certain amount of DVD watching and computer game playing is OK - son has his X-Box after all, however, its the continous mindless distraction that I am not convinced about.

I suspect that if the weather had been bad for days on end, we might have all resorted to watching DVD some of the time.

I might add that we also listened to the cricket a certain amount as well! I got into trouble with SWMBO for having the ships radio in my backpack with TMS on whilst cycling round Isle Au Moins in the Gulf du Morbihan...

 

[awyatybw]

Re: Not allowing DVD\'s

My two girls, 8 & 11, have been sailing from a very early age. My father-in-law had an old Britax child car seat, complete with 5-point harness, strapped to the pushpit for this purpose. They enjoy sailing and we never hear complaints about going for a holiday on the boat.

But I am not exactly sure what it is that they enjoy. Clearly trips to beaches are a top priority, and we try and fit in plenty of these, but otherwise they can sometimes be difficult to engage in the running of the boat, or anything else for that matter. They both read avidly (the elder one consumed the new Harry Potter in 3 days - her birthdays are nearly always afloat) and getting them to put the book down long enough to hank on staysail / help with mooring / fix position on chart / steer etc., all of which they do pretty competently, can be quite a challenge. Even the fishing line gets abandoned after a short period.

The younger one used to like to paint with watercolours and it was ammusing to watch her grab hold of all the bits and pieces upon hearing "Ready about!", and then take up her brush again on the new tack.

No DVDs or video games (none at home, either), although Walkman-type devices okay. Magnetic snakes-&-ladders, chess, draughts proved popular this year (I can see myself being beaten very soon at draughts). And Yenga is always a challenge at sea. Communal singing can be a big hit, from time to time.

There seems to be something about life on board that makes them happy to settle down quietly to a simple activity. I cannot say that I am overly bothered about this.

 

[markras]

My two daughters (5 and 7) have been gradually introduced to the joy of sailing over the last couple of years. My basic rules are to involve them as much as possible in all aspects of the day- food choices, feeding the ducks as we row out to the mooring, weather forecasts, setting up the boat, steering where appropriate etc. Trips are kept short- Hobart has an abundance of sheltered beaches to sail to within 90 minutes. We always take photos to be included in the boat's log book, the girls love adding their own view of the day's events to the book. On some days we don't even leave the mooring- a bit blustery? OK, let's catch some fish with the hand lines. My attitude is that I'm investing in their future, and mine. If I can convey some of my love for sailing without it ever being a chore for any of us, the more likely they are to enjoy it as they get older.

The next step is twilight racing- only on the quiet nights!!

As for listening to cricket..................Are you serious? I only listen when the Aussies are winning!!!!

Great thread-keep the ideas coming.

Cheers from Tasmania-Bring on the last test-as long as Mc grath can play and Jones doesn't!!