Posted by Pierre Malan on December 10, 2000 at 19:26:12 from 196.2.50.9:
In Reply to: Children, Growing Up, and Safety posted by Jock on December 08, 2000 at 14:40:50:
It is always difficult for a parent to draw the line between protectiveness and freedom. My children took to the water early. Michelle sailed for the first time at 5 months and both she and Neil sailed as toddlers. Neil became the owner of a rowing dory at three and both children. Michelle is now 13 and Neil 10 are comptent sailors. Lifejackets have always been compulsory, even though both of the children swim very well. Although they are allowed to sail or row unattended in inland waters, at sea Dad rows guardship.
Both have a very well developed sense of responsibilty when it comes to safety on the ater, and know that the best rule is "if in doubt, don't!"