How to Introduce the New Experience?

markpj23 · 28-04-2007, 09:00

We now raise a 13yr old grandaughter who has never even been aboard yet. Looking seriously at the home-schooling while cruising option....

We're dealing with a *typical* middle-school kid who goes to school for the social aspects of it (spelled b-o-y-s) and gets good grades. TV has been her babysitter for most of her life and that iPod is always stuck in her ears. Seems to me that the idea of living in a small wet space with your Grandparents may not be on her list of idyllic situations....

How have others handled the "introduction" of this cruising idea to their kids? What things worked, what has not, etc....

camaraderie · 28-04-2007, 10:28

Mark...in my view it is unfair that you have to raise a 13 yr. old grand-daughter when you should be out sailing your dream. It would also be unfair to her to pull her out of school/friends/ativities at this most important time in HER life so you can live YOUR dream. The time to go sailing with kids is while they are younger...so I would suggest going sailing on vacations with her now and leaving yourselves in 4 years. If she likes sailing with you...she'll come visit on college breaks!

DeepFrz · 28-04-2007, 13:21

Mark, you might be interested in reading the following thread on the SSCA forum.

SSCA Discussion Board :: View topic - Help Me Answer this...the Intervention has Begun!

I would suggest that you introduce her to boating gradually. If possible let her bring a friend. If she has never been on a boat then she probably has no idea what to expect and that can be pretty frightening. Letting her help prepare for the days sail and maybe some hired sailing lessons could help her relax.

My oldest daughter thought that a day on the sailboat meant lying on deck in her bikini with her cd player blasting out loud rock. My youngest was more interested in learning to sail and enjoyed it when we tried to catch other boats. It is the same as anything in life. Some people are attracted to boating and some aren't, but a gentle approach will help ensure that she is not frightened off on the first few adventures.

Good luck, and let your hearts be your guide.

Charlie · 28-04-2007, 13:43

Hi Mark:

I think that you should introduce her gently. If possible bring along a friend for a week or two. During that week make sure that you are doing things that she likes -- short trips, snorkeling, shopping, -- It is alot like fishing lure her in until she is hooked.

Pura Vida · 29-04-2007, 06:37

Hi Mark,
My only experience with kids is my teenage neice who will follow me anywhere (and complain with every step.) If I were leaving and taking her was a necessary I would leave in a heartbeat. Maybe it is not being stuck in a small space with her grandparents but seeing the larger world with people who love her.
pv

28-04-2007, 09:00	#1
markpj23 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tampa FL Boat: Now Boat-Less Posts: 685 Images: 44	How to Introduce the New Experience? We now raise a 13yr old grandaughter who has never even been aboard yet. Looking seriously at the home-schooling while cruising option.... We're dealing with a typical middle-school kid who goes to school for the social aspects of it (spelled b-o-y-s) and gets good grades. TV has been her babysitter for most of her life and that iPod is always stuck in her ears. Seems to me that the idea of living in a small wet space with your Grandparents may not be on her list of idyllic situations.... How have others handled the "introduction" of this cruising idea to their kids? What things worked, what has not, etc.... __________________ Mark

28-04-2007, 13:21	#3
DeepFrz Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Winnipeg Boat: None at this time Posts: 744	Mark, you might be interested in reading the following thread on the SSCA forum. SSCA Discussion Board :: View topic - Help Me Answer this...the Intervention has Begun! I would suggest that you introduce her to boating gradually. If possible let her bring a friend. If she has never been on a boat then she probably has no idea what to expect and that can be pretty frightening. Letting her help prepare for the days sail and maybe some hired sailing lessons could help her relax. My oldest daughter thought that a day on the sailboat meant lying on deck in her bikini with her cd player blasting out loud rock. My youngest was more interested in learning to sail and enjoyed it when we tried to catch other boats. It is the same as anything in life. Some people are attracted to boating and some aren't, but a gentle approach will help ensure that she is not frightened off on the first few adventures. Good luck, and let your hearts be your guide. __________________ The man who keeps faith with reality wants to act truthfully in the here and now, not to derive a secondhand here and now from a purpose. - Karl Jaspers

28-04-2007, 13:43	#4
Charlie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nevada City. CA Boat: Sceptre 41 Ohana Posts: 1,504 Images: 2	Hi Mark: I think that you should introduce her gently. If possible bring along a friend for a week or two. During that week make sure that you are doing things that she likes -- short trips, snorkeling, shopping, -- It is alot like fishing lure her in until she is hooked. __________________ Fair Winds, Charlie Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea. Besides holding our hearts together through long periods of separation, it had the effect of making us tolerant of each other's yarns -- and even convictions. Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Water Heater experience sought	skipgundlach	Product or Service Reviews & Evaluations	7	26-04-2007 06:13
Yacht Sailing Experience - Advice Please???	mrsvb78	General Sailing Forum	4	23-02-2007 15:43
Supplemental Small Boat Experience Letter	Chris Gramiccioni	Training, Licensing & Certification	0	14-02-2007 10:36
COUPLE WANTING SAILING EXPERIENCE / NO TIME CONSTRAINTS	rebeccahogarth	Crew Positions: Wanted & Available	3	15-12-2006 16:29
Any experience with the 2HP Honda outboard?	GreatKetch	Auxiliary Equipment & Dinghy	11	18-08-2006 12:50

28-04-2007, 10:28	#2
camaraderie Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: East Coast Posts: 582	Mark...in my view it is unfair that you have to raise a 13 yr. old grand-daughter when you should be out sailing your dream. It would also be unfair to her to pull her out of school/friends/ativities at this most important time in HER life so you can live YOUR dream. The time to go sailing with kids is while they are younger...so I would suggest going sailing on vacations with her now and leaving yourselves in 4 years. If she likes sailing with you...she'll come visit on college breaks!

29-04-2007, 06:37	#5
Pura Vida Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Galveston Boat: C&C 27 Posts: 721	Hi Mark, My only experience with kids is my teenage neice who will follow me anywhere (and complain with every step.) If I were leaving and taking her was a necessary I would leave in a heartbeat. Maybe it is not being stuck in a small space with her grandparents but seeing the larger world with people who love her. pv