Babies, Toddlers, and Kids

[Bob a Buoy]

At what age did yours become easier to take boating? I have a two year old, and while he loves nothing more than boats, sand and water, man he is like an atomic bomb right now. I never cease to be amazed at his destructive abilities. As soon as he gets in the boat he has to flip every switch and open every hatch. Anything loose has a good chance of going swimming. Cruising is difficult because he wants to sit in my lap and work the controls. Overnighting is hard because he doesn't like being confined for long. Aside from sedatives and a shock collar (joking) what are some things you do or did to make these times easier and more enjoyable.

 

[Steve195]

LOL. I just bought my boat a few months ago, with the intent that 90% of the time it would be myself and my girlfriend, perhaps with another couple. My GF also has older (late teens, early 20's) kids and I knew they might come every once and a while. However, I forgot about her 1 year old boy and 3 year old girl grandkids that live in California. Well, they are here visiting us and yesterday I took them out on the boat with their mom and "Grammy" (my GF).

OMG!!!! The 1 year old threw a screaming fit as soon as we tried to put the life jacket on him. That only lasted 20 minutes. The 3 year old was fine, but started to cry as soon as I attempted to get the boat on plane. Luckily, after just a couple of minutes, she was fine and was enjoying herself. The little guy finally settled down, but suddenly became obsessed with getting in the (60 degree) water. We stopped and sat with him on the swim platform and "dunked" him a couple of times to about the waist and he was loving it, oblivious to the cold water. When it was time to move on, he cried for a few minutes, but was fine.

Thank God the only drinks we brought on board were water, because they quickly managed to spill more than they drank. Snacks were goldfish crackers and a few cookies. After they left, I spent nearly an hour cleaning the boat. Soggy goldfish everywhere, cookie crumbs, fingerprints on the windshield, etc.

All in all, we had a reasonably enjoyable day on the water, but it reminded me how much effort it takes to have little ones around. I'm so glad our kids our grown and (mostly) on their own!

We're watching the two little ones this weekend while their mom and dad go to a wedding, so it should be interesting. Luckily, my GF told me I'm more than welcome to "be gone as much as you want" this weekend, so I see a weekend full of golf and boating with the guys!

 

[shinsr]

I found that the summers of just over one and just over 2 (both spring babies) were the toughest. 3 was better and 4 they were so into it and no trouble at all. Now at 5 and 10 they look forward to spring launch and every single weekend of summer!

 

[saopm]

Age four is when I was able to take my oldest daughter out on the boat by myself. She pretty much got the point that she needs to stay put while I'm operating the boat. As for touching everything. Good luck!!! My girls at 7, 5, and 8 months old. Everything is in disarray within seconds of entering the boat. Drives me nuts! Opening all the cabinet, curtains, playing with the tv, messing with the radio, taking every blanket out, food/drinks, etc... I think you have to give them a little freedom to get it out of their system. But after that, I've been making it a point to make them clean up their mess so the understand how much effort goes into keeping the boat organized.

 

[K3d111]

I have a 17 Month old Boy and an 8 year old boy. We took a two nighter trip back at the end of March, and it was fun and challenging. The 8 year old was a great help in watching his brother down below in the cabin, and even helpful on deck, I showed him how to read the radar, retrive the bumpers, and keep an eye out for other boats ...lol. Now the 17 month old was a handful, as well as the wife..lol. We used a travel crib for the baby to sleep and play in, fits in the aft bed area and it worked very well http://www.amazon.com/KidCO-Travelp...8&qid=1461680636&sr=8-15&keywords=travel+crib

But when the little one was awake..lol it was fun. I retrieved several toys from overboard status, and we constantly had to watch him as he loved climbing the stairs in the cabin. While on deck we used the life jacket/coastguard bag to block him from the helm and cabin door, it worked well as a makeshift baby gate. He didn't mind the life jacket, and it added some extra padding for his trips and falls. However, while the boat was on plane or in motion he was clam and fascinated by the boat. He sat in his mothers lap next to me and just enjoyed the ride. Our next overnighter I will bring some toys he hasn't seen in awhile or some new ones that float. Hopefully to keep his interest in toys instead of whats in the cabinets on deck. Also plan on bring some stale bread for him to throw overboard, instead of toys. Also if you have schedule of when you need to travel, lunch, dinner, anchor... give yourself about a 20 minute window of leeway, it takes time to settle the kids enough so you can do what you need to do. Also make sure your "Galley Salve" First Mate" Admiral" know how to operate the generator if you have one, and which switches to touch and not touch. There is a funny story behind that. All and all I'm sure things will get easier as we find our rhythm, and the boys get older, whichever comes first.

 

[JENDL SEAS]

I know how you feel. I have 3 kids...bought my current boat when they were 3 and 5. Playing cards in the toilet...drinks...switches....My god they are absurd. Good news...now...a few years later, they are incredible. Know how to work lines, gear, etc. They have become true boaters.

By the way...love the name...good ode to Howard Stern!

 

[Molson]

My little guy is turning 4, he's been on the boat since 3 weeks old. Wouldn't have it any other way. Sure, its frustrating every once and a while and requires more cleaning, but the memories we're making are certainly worth it. He did have a bit of a phase of throwing things overboard when he was 2, but luckily it passed. He first hated the lifejacket, but now knows it goes on first. It was drilled early not to touch switches and controls, and so far so good. He loves to play with the VHF (radio off) and pretend he is the captain. Oh, and the dingy is `his`. lol.

 

[Gofirstclass]

I went through that same stuff when my kids were little. I found that a gentle swat on the butt (emphasis on gentle--just enough to get their attention) brought all of that to a quick halt.

It's a kid's job to learn where the boundaries are, and it's the job of the parents to let them know where the boundaries and that those boundaries are generally always the same. Kids need lessons in boundaries when they are little or they become those screaming five year old's sitting in the shopping cart at the grocery store.

We're now going through those same trials and tribulations with our grand kids. It's amazing that those same teaching methods we used many years ago are still working today.

 

[Wet Dogggg]

My kids (9 and twins that turn 7 this weekend) have been on a boat since before they could walk. They need boundaries and on the boat where an injury can happen in a blink of an eye my wife and I were especially hard on them…and you know what happened? They thrived. Kids want and need rules and need to know what those are. Were there days we packed up and left, absolutely. Were there tantrums, of course. We just ignored them and let themselves freak-out in a safe place. Even at 2 my kids knew what was expected when we were on the boat. What the rules were and what they could and could not touch. They are a lot smarter than you give them credit for. We never had anything thrown overboard that was not meant to be. And what did this get me? Three deck hands that absolutely love the boat and can help with everything from working the deck to cleaning duties.

 

[k9medic]

My youngest has been on the boat since he was 10 days old. My kids are now 9 and 11 and have more sea time than most others on the water.

 

[OllieC]

10 years old and up.....IMO

Mine is 12 now and I am teaching her how to operate the boat. Although, when her friends are aboard, she has to show off and that can be distracting.

Before 10 she always had to be into everything and it was difficult to hold her attention......I still miss those days though...savor them....

 

[PMC]

I've had both my kids (6 & 10) on the boat since birth and will say that you are in the most difficult age right now (2-3 years old). All I can say is that it gets better, and next season the stress will subside some.....

I’m sure that mileage varies with keeping situations mess free. I have rules (or more accurately Mrs PMC has the rules) and you can only go so far with the water and sand situation. It comes with the territory, and at any age. Keep rags and a cold beverage close by is about the only advice I can give

The fun for me, begins when the kids get involved. With my oldest, she has shown a lot of interest in the boat operation, navigation and what it takes to be a good first mate. I noticed a big change last year (age 9) where I can give instructions and rely on her execution. Approaching a raft up, she is on the bow with a fenders across the side, and a line in hand ready to toss. The younger guy, slightly less interested, but has plenty of helm time in (mostly with auto pilot engaged – LOL).

 

[tdgard]

2-3 is definitely the worst-mine is 7 now and fantastic on the boat except for when he gets ahold of the wash down hoses & im trying to nap. Get a small otter box for car keys and wallet and put those things in there before you walk onto the dock. He was either 2 or 3 when, ON Fathers Day!, he threw $500 worth of key fobs into the drink. We also came up with a new rule that day that both sets of keys go to the lake because it was a $100 cab ride to go get the wife's keys. Boy was I pissed & he has never done anything like that again. That said, all the soggy chips & chaos is worth the great memories both you and they will be creating.

 

[spikedaddy99]

Twins, now almost 10 (where has it gone!) were 2 when we bought our 320. They learned pretty quickly what to do, and the life jackets went on 1st. Maybe it was because their sisters, 2 and 4 yrs older, were so good about putting them on 1st thing aboard. We blew a lot of bubbles, especially underway for amusement (and doesn't stain anything). 1 twin walked off the swim platform while positioning for anchoring. Life jacket obviously kept him afloat and I saw him go so engines off immediately. Man was he fast, and loves the water. They learned very quickly to sit until Dad said OK. Now they heave fenders, toss lines etc. I know, I know, 6 of us on a 320!! Yes. I offered to sell this winter and move up to a 450-480 ish (although a lot older) and was voted down. They all love the boat. We avoid colored drinks still, and there are "scars" from active kids, but the memories, and the family time they have are well worth it.

Mike

 

[Bucit]

Wow, I must have been extremely lucky. My little girl has been on our boat since she was 5 weeks old (just turned 7) and although she wanted to play in the cabin she was pretty darn good in the cockpit. Yes she wanted to sit on my lap and drive (or pretend to) but isn't that what dad's are for? I couldn't imagine having a little one and not wanting to or having them out on the boat.

 

[equilit]

I would echo some of the others here. It can be a little trying at first, but you have to set boundaries and have realistic expectations. You may need to change your pace when they are very little but don't give up on it. My girls grew up on our 20 footer and it did not take long for them to get the hang of it. They need some consistency from you so they know what to expect from this new adventure. Even with the rules in place it will still be more fun than anything else they might be doing. Now with an 18 and 22 year old they only need me to fix and pay; everything else is autopilot. I have to tell you that watching them tie up a spring line or put a 30 footer on a trailer (like they own it) confirms it was all time well spent. I laugh at the "colored drinks" comment, we have had a no "Cheetos / Fruit punch" rule for 20 years. Hang in there, they will come around and love boating just like the rest of us.


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[Bob a Buoy]

Awesome stories everyone, thanks so much for the inspiration!

 

[PMC]

I laugh at the "colored drinks" comment, we have had a no "Cheetos / Fruit punch" rule for 20 years

I laughed as well. The same rule applies after we realized the dorm fridge could not keep a cherry Marinos Italian ice frozen :smt021. Sold the boat to rid myself of the red spots haha

 

[Stee6043]

I’m floating this year with kids 6, 4 and 1.5. Last year our youngest was 6 months old and it was our first year with a cruiser.

Getting the youngest to nap has really been our biggest challenge. The strategic planning required to create the perfect sleeping conditions mid-day on a 34 foot boat cannot be understated. At this point my only concern is the pending overnight sleeping arrangement challenge I’m going to have with three kids.It’s why I want a 380 ASAP…to help ease the pain a bit. I hate giving up mid-cabin space for a pack-N-play and I know I will equally hate using the mid-cabin couch for someone to sleep on eventually. I have grand plans for a 380 that involves a bunk in the aft cabin.

It’s funny – more than one of my dock neighbors commented to me last year on how “brave” my wife and I were for getting back into boating with three young kids. The way I see it is that this is the absolute best time to do it. Nobody is going to say it’s easy but I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a better way to spend time together as a family.