Before you have kids you think that your life will continue and you will be able to still do all the things you did before, just maybe not for a few years, or maybe with a little bit of an adjustment. This is a great attitude to have and by far the most positive. However, you will come across a huge number of people who think that you are insane and spend the whole of your first pregnancy telling you that you have no idea what a shock you are in for.You don't have to listen to these people. You can stay positive.
So is it safe to take your kids sailing from an early age? Firstly, it is important to remember that all children are different. You will have heard this phrase a lot, but until you have a child, or sometimes not until you have a second will you realize how true this is. When your child is very young, and not even rolling over, then you can pretty much do and go anywhere you like.The only concern at this age is keeping them away from unnecessary illness and disease, so probably wise to stay first world. This will not be a problem if you are considering a sailing holiday. If considering sailing with young babies you will need very little.It is best to try and choose easy temperatures, not to baking hot and not too cold.Also try to choose a destination where the sailing is on an leisurely breeze such as around the Greek islands, rather than the ravages of more turbulent waters. It is advisable to have a good baby carrier. For this you are probably better off with one of the fabric slings rather than a structured sling. The fabric slings stop your baby from overheating as they are all cotton, and they are also more comfortable, for adult and baby, if the baby sleeps in them.
If you are looking at going on a sailing holiday with a toddlers you are setting your self a much harder challenge.Some tots are very cautious and cafeful, however, accidents can always happen. This is probably the most dangerous age to take sailing and probably not recommended for sailing where you are planning of staying on the boat. At this age it is probably best to have accommodation on land and then to head out for the odd day trips. This means that if you all start to find it too stressful you can spend some days doing other things, and the holiday will not be ruined. If you commit yourself to staying on a yatch you are limiting your options.
Once your child is school age then you will find that it is all different. They will tell you if they are scared or uncomfortable. They will be able to participate and they will understand danger much better. It is still worth keeping a few other options up your sleve as you may find that your child suddenly decides that they don’t want to be on the water all the time.
So don’t forget your dreams of family yachting holidays, juts keep it realistic and prove all those doubters wrong.
March 15th, 2009 at 18:16
Nice attitude to life
Yes, I've certainly heard a number of times how crazy it is to go sailing with kids. My wife and I have just bought a boat for weekend sailing off the South of England. Getting the right balance between safety, fun and comfort is tricky to say the least.