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enovillo · 14-12-2009, 11:25

I can't say we've succeeded yet because our kids are only 1 and 4. But balancing the sailing with whatever other activities they may like is crucial. We try to sail for a couple of hours and drop the hook in front of a beach. The dinghy ride and time on the beach are what they love the most.

Also, whenever I'm fixing something, I let them "help" and try to keep them interested. My daughter (4 years old) loves to help with the wheel, reading charts, and even passing tools while I fix (or at least pretend to!) stuff.

Handicrafts are great for rainy days on the hook.

Unfortunately, a TV and DVD player are also part of the experience. These are more for Mom and Dad, though, as it gives us the opportunity to enjoy each other's company and sailing.

S&S · 14-12-2009, 12:09

Great thread.
I take all but the youngest (just 1 y.o.) out whenever I go. The older boys (10, 8) like sailing but are more prone to seasickness so that puts a damper on things. That said, the 10 yo is getting a good handle on helming and we're working on sail trim. They both like doing maintenance tasks. (The 10 yo. can mask and paint, and tip a perfect bootstripe)

The girls (6,4,2) are my real hope as they are all water monkeys and really like going out. They are the biggest drivers for taking longer trips.

"We want to go to an island!"

I think this summer I'm going to spend time teaching them how to sail the dhow so they can have a "boat of their own".

clausont · 14-12-2009, 12:28

One of our more favored trips so far was only a day trip. We only motored up the river, then dropped anchor for the day. But the kids all had so much fun because they all got to make ice cream with our hand cranked ice cream maker.
Seven C's Sailing Web Log » Anchors and Ice Cream

Joli · 14-12-2009, 13:53

Stillraining; my guess is it's too late.....your kids already have activities they enjoy.

But, take them sailing and make it fun. Take them racing, to the beach, with their Friends, fishing for an afternoon, moored for a weekend, for a day sail, or just hang out on the boat scrubbing the deck. Maybe they'll gravitate to it.

We've had our kids aboard since they were both a week old and worked hard to make it fun for the kids even though it meant changing the way we sailed. (IE no more hard core racing)

Today they can't get enough time on the boat and lived aboard last summer. They both love dinghy racing and love being on the big boat. My joke is I'm going down with the ship someday, my son says he'll buy a cheapo for me to go down with and keep Joli for him and his sister.

Here is a gang we sailed to the islands......

barnakiel · 14-12-2009, 15:00

For exactly the 'religious' reasons never teach sailing to my own kids. If they grow up along the storry and happen to like this stuff, no problem. If they find fulfillment in other pursuits, then I will try hard to support their dreams (and maybe also learn something from them!).

b.

**Ex-Calif** · 15-12-2009, 00:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&S

I think this summer I'm going to spend time teaching them how to sail the dhow so they can have a "boat of their own".

Don't know how your kids react to being taught but it was useful for me to enroll my boy in an opti class. He was with 7 other 9 y/o boys and built up a social network with them.

They hung out for a while sailing together and then sort of went their way.

**Ex-Calif** · 15-12-2009, 00:43

Well seeing as how I am in photo mode here is Josh's first ever tack during day 2 of school. Nice and tidy - even if I am the proud papa...

Ram · 15-12-2009, 01:33

Great Pictures!

clausont · 15-12-2009, 02:44

Great shots! You have a good reason to be a proud Papa!

Philsboat · 15-12-2009, 08:51

Stillraining · 15-12-2009, 10:09

Some absolue precious pictures here my friends.

As mentioned by others ...I know I have a late start..being a close family
as anjou has stated is my only real chance at this point..That and the fact they all have taken to power boating and the water and the fun family bonding it creates.

Lost time and opportunity.... This has been most of my frustration having the boat ordeal I have had the last 2 years..If I could have afforded it I would have just went out and bought another one for the interim...such is life.

FWIW... I wont let my kids quit what they have started mid stream..but I never force anything on them to begin with....well that's not true..school..some chores..etc....Thats was the reason for the mention of my faith...I have shown them the ways of both sides of the argument but have only planted and cultivated there decision making abilities..and the reasons I chose the direction I did as an example of a better man, father and husband then I was or would have been..

They all have chosen to walk that same path so far as well..

...but they are reaching the late teens and the "Force 10" ( could'nt resist..

) of early 20's are soon upon us and those are the searching and defining years so only time will tell.

This is a great thread if I don't say so myself...keep it rolling!... even though it is bittersweet for me so far, it is and will be a jewel of wealth for others.

sabray · 15-12-2009, 10:36

one isa my kids explainig how to use the radar.
the other is well a benefit. less work for me

clausont · 15-12-2009, 11:51

Well, I will give a try at posting a couple of pictures here too. Let's see if I can do this...

clausont · 15-12-2009, 11:53

A couple more:

Stillraining · 23-05-2010, 17:06

Well as my Middle daughter has decided on Sail boat racing as here Senior project...and the training up of the young continues in that regard, mind you Im not a racer so some fine local folks from Sailnet have stepped up and offered rides for her this summer..I will keep you all updated on her Senior Project Thread

Now my youngest @ 15 isn't hankering to do the same project as her sister even though she said it sounded "way-cool!"...that made dad happy just hearing that as well though and Im keeping track of who says what.

No instead she has her sites set on obtaining a set of wheels.

..so she wants to undertake the restoration of my wife's old 65 GMC PU..

Well now... dad wasn't raised no dummy and quickly his mind figured out a nautical advantage to this situation...you see our boat needs painted so the "Training up of my young" has another twist in it she hasn't considered yet...Hee! Hee!..

Besides that come collage time..I figure Charlie Cobra may need Summer help one of these days, sanding, fairing and painting boats in his new venture so I might as well start training one up for him..

Not bad for an old red neck eh?