So how do you cope...

[muckypup]

..with a small child on board?

Alex is nearing 16 months old and already is well into the terrible 2's. He is a complete horror on board..

"No Alex, the pots and pans live in the cupboard"
"No Alex, mr fluffy elephant doesn't want to go for a swim via the sea toilet"
"No Alex, the engines don't need starting at this time"
"No Alex, the <insert valuable object name here> doesn't live overboard"

The first thing he tried to do last weekend was to try and climb overboard! We made him wear his lifejacket and had to watch him 100% the time.

I can't wait until we have 2 of them /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

We really need at least 3 people on board to take Harlequin out with Alex on board - One to handle the ropes, one at the helm and one to keep Alex of out mischief!

Steve

 

[johnalison]

It's very hard, and so long ago I can't remember how we did it. We must have done something right because we're still on speaking-terms with the infants who are now aged 39 & 42.

The most important thing is for the skipper to be competent and confident, as children quickly pick up on their parents' insecurity. Otherwise, it's much like home really, with some areas where rules have to be laid down with no argument - such as wearing life-jackets which used to be an emotional subject with our younger. Some parents seem to manage things with no apparent effort, probably due to their natural calmness.

Children can normally only stand about one hour on the move per year of age before needing a run ashore.

No magic formula - just try and all stay friends.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I think the 1hr per year of age is terrific rule of thumb... not heard it put like that before, but it really makes sense...

 

[muckypup]

At least Alex wasn't phased when I fired up the engines for a while. 2 6.5L diesel engines right underneath his feet and all he was concerned about was flicking the lifting rings up and down... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Steve