“Living” With Kids on Boating
Trips
Just
remember, you’re there on the water by choice; your kids are probably
there by your choice, not theirs. You’re there for many reasons
– to get away from the office and the phone, to commune with nature,
to enjoy time with friends, to test your outdoor skills, etc. Again, remember
that your reasons for boating aren’t theirs. For them to enjoy the
experience, you have to meet their needs and give them reasons for enjoying
the trip. Do that and not only will you have fun, but everyone will be
looking forward to the next trip!
Physical Comfort
Photo: Keli Keach |
If
they’re not comfortable, they’re not happy. When they’re
not happy, the trip becomes a pain. Keep them warm or cool, depending
on the conditions. Waterproof raingear and multiple layers of synthetic
fabric garments are essential when the weather is wet and cold.
Remember to also pack warm booties, gloves and headgear. When it’s
sunny and warm, cover them up with broad brimmed hats and protective
clothing.
Sun
protection is a must. There are many brands of kid-friendly sunscreens.
The ones in spray cans let you put them on quickly, even with the
squirmiest of kids. One solution for covering sensitive areas is
to use lip balm w/ sunscreen. It works for noses, cheeks and ears,
as well as lips. |
Fuel
for Young Bodies
Their bodies are growing and they get hungry often. Pack lots of healthy
snacks. Good ones are cheese sticks, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit,
grapes, apples and oranges.
It’s
important that they stay well hydrated. Get them their own water bottle,
put their name on it and some fun stickers. If they’ll drink water,
that’s probably best. If not, add flavor with fruit juices or a
sprinkle of powdered beverage crystals. Be sure they drink often.
Creative
Play, Camp and the Teachable Moment
On
the water, make games out of what you’re seeing and doing.
“Tell me when you see a fish jump.” “Tell Dad/Mom
if you see any rocks ahead of us.” “How many birds do
you see it that tree?” “Let’s see how many dragonflies
land on the boat.” It’s a variation of the car game,
“Let’s see how many red cars we meet” that can
help preserve your sanity. Simple water
toys also help keep them occupied.
In
camp, a few simple items, like a little bucket and shovel and a
ball or two are probably all they need; their active imaginations
will take care of the rest. Please have them wear their life jackets
when playing near the water; you can’t watch them every minute.
Kids love headlamps!
The new ones that use LED bulbs are real easy on batteries. Bring
along some of their favorite books and paper and crayons. Getting
them to go to sleep in a tent before it gets dark can be a chore.
A set of headphones and some stories or music may help. |
Photo: Keli Keach |
These
are great times to teach young folks outdoor skills and respect for wildlife
and the environment. Model good outdoor behavior like staying on trails,
recycling beverage containers, not feeding wildlife, picking up micro-trash,
etc. If they’re old enough, let them use binoculars to study the
birds you see. Let them help with camp chores.
Have
Fun!
When your young ones have fun, they’ll want to repeat the experience.
Start them out the right way and you’ll be helping them build a
lifetime love of boating and the outdoors!
NRS
has a number of things online that can help you outfit your kids. Check
out the Kids
Gear page, the Kids
PFD Reference Guide and Kids
Safety.
|
