Getting Kids Used to Boats

OpenAir · 01-18-2011, 11:45 AM

We've tried taking my daughter out a couple of times and it has been unsuccessful. She was terrified! We would really like her to be able to join us. How can we help her, or do we give up for a few years?

Bambi · 01-18-2011, 11:50 AM

It sounds like she is pretty little? If that's the case, it may be best to back off a bit. Otherwise, she may just associate the boat and being around water as something very negative.

ilikebike · 01-18-2011, 03:40 PM

We have a two year-old and a four year-old and try to get them on the water/river as much as we can. With little ones we only do flat water in warm weather conditions to make it as fun as possible and with lots of stops on the shore to run around and play. We have also found inflatable kayaks to be great for kids. We got a Zoik tandem and my girls feel very comfortable moving around in it as its phenomenally stable. We have found the trick with little ones is to have lots of activities on board and to make frequent, fun stops to explore. Good luck getting her acclimated.

Bud · 01-20-2011, 12:33 PM

Maybe you could try going with a small group that included other kids she knows who are not afraid and who like the water. That may reassure her.

Barney · 01-20-2011, 01:27 PM

I get sea sick very easily on rough waters so I don't take my kids boating because if I can't help myself how can I be of use to them.

Gondor · 01-20-2011, 01:32 PM

Don't force a child on the water if it doesn't like it. With time those fears are conquered so be patient. But you don't have to stop trying. Just don't force them because you will achieve the opposite effect - only amplifying the fear of it.

OpenAir · 01-22-2011, 06:00 PM

Don't worry-we don't intend to force her at all. We don't want this to be an unpleasant experience.

We've tried a couple of things, but not involving other kids. Her best friend goes out a lot, it might help. She's five by the way.

01-18-2011, 11:45 AM	#1
OpenAir Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 119	Getting Kids Used to Boats We've tried taking my daughter out a couple of times and it has been unsuccessful. She was terrified! We would really like her to be able to join us. How can we help her, or do we give up for a few years?

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01-18-2011, 11:50 AM	#2
Bambi Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 50	It sounds like she is pretty little? If that's the case, it may be best to back off a bit. Otherwise, she may just associate the boat and being around water as something very negative.

01-18-2011, 03:40 PM	#3
ilikebike Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3	We have a two year-old and a four year-old and try to get them on the water/river as much as we can. With little ones we only do flat water in warm weather conditions to make it as fun as possible and with lots of stops on the shore to run around and play. We have also found inflatable kayaks to be great for kids. We got a Zoik tandem and my girls feel very comfortable moving around in it as its phenomenally stable. We have found the trick with little ones is to have lots of activities on board and to make frequent, fun stops to explore. Good luck getting her acclimated.

01-20-2011, 12:33 PM	#4
Bud Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 91	Maybe you could try going with a small group that included other kids she knows who are not afraid and who like the water. That may reassure her.

01-20-2011, 01:27 PM	#5
Barney Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 293	I get sea sick very easily on rough waters so I don't take my kids boating because if I can't help myself how can I be of use to them.

01-20-2011, 01:32 PM	#6
Gondor Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 208	Don't force a child on the water if it doesn't like it. With time those fears are conquered so be patient. But you don't have to stop trying. Just don't force them because you will achieve the opposite effect - only amplifying the fear of it.

01-22-2011, 06:00 PM	#7
OpenAir Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 119	Don't worry-we don't intend to force her at all. We don't want this to be an unpleasant experience. We've tried a couple of things, but not involving other kids. Her best friend goes out a lot, it might help. She's five by the way.