My ILs are talking about getting a boat (a sports speed boat). I say that as long as the kid is a baby and will sleep quietly in mom's (or dad's) arms and is wearing a life jacket it is ok but then once the kid starts walking they need to take a break from the boat until they are more responsible like around 5 or so. Especially since waterskiiing will be taking place and some may be distracted.
Also at what age would you allow the child to start water skiing? I would say around 10-12. They think 6-8.
Also, is murder legal if your husband doesn't agree with you on these issues? I am ready to kill him.
It should be noted that my mother and I agree and my husband and his mother agree. It's parent and grandparent against parent and grandparent.
Also, wouldn't you think that if one parent was a little more cautious than the other that it is only fair to go with the more conservative parent rather that just go along with something that one parent is uncomfortable with?
2006-09-18 07:13:59 · 15 answers · asked by jennypoo803 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Of course I would plan to go along the majority of the time but I am sure that I may at times have other responsibilities that might make me unavailable, such as other children or my elderly parents.
Thank you for your wonderful attitude.
2006-09-18 07:21:32 · update #1
I don't agree with preset ages. I would not allow anyone in a boat that could not float safely in a life vest. What I mean by that is this, if the child cannot turn over in the life vest, while floating, then they are too young. Imagine a child falling out, with a life vest on, but landing in a postion where their face is stuck in the water. If they can not correct this position easily, then they are too young.
As far as water skiing, I'd apply the same sort of ideas. If they can fall and pull their head out of the water on their own, and bob up and down with a vest on safely, swim to their skis then it should be fine.
Babies in a speed boat can turn into a very bad situation very quickly if something were to happen. Even with mom holding on. I'd advice EXTREME caution in this situation.
2006-09-18 09:02:52 · answer #1 · answered by Manny 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ROTF
I went through something similar last summer. It was me and my mom vs. my husband and his parents. It was a camoing trip with a boat rental. It was a pontoon boat, not a speed boat, but all I could imagine was my two little ones (4 and 2 at the time) falling off and into the propellers. They won in the end, and against my better judgment, we all went. I found out that once I calmed down and let the kids enjoy the experience of being on a boat for the first time, they were perfectly safe. I did, however, make the condition that my husband be the one to drive the boat since I knew his skills with a boat, but not my in-laws. I'm glad we went, it was one of the best times to date for famly fun.
If you are going to be there, then let them go on the boat. That way you know there is at least one pair of eyes watching your children. If you won't be there, then maybe suggest that the children only be on the boat when they are not water skiing. That way they can keep the speed down, and there are no distractions. As for the water skiing, I'm with you. The control and muscles needed aren't there at 6-8. In addition, they need to pay very close attention so that they don't veer off into the path of something, like another boat.
I don't know where you are going, or the ages of the children, but safety is the most important thing. The younger the child, the more the adults need to keep them out of harm's way. It shouldn't be up to the grandparents, it's an issue that needs to be resolved between the parents, and the parents alone. Bringing in the in-laws only makes things worse (as I found out from experience).
If one parent feels that something is unsafe, or doesn't agree the children are old enough, then both parents need to sit down and look over all the material involved. If you can, find all the statistics about water skiing. Then try to find a middle ground. I'm with you here, but it's not my decision.
Good Luck!
2006-09-18 07:39:37 · answer #2 · answered by welches_grape_jelly 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My dad has had a boat for as long as I can remember, and I don't reacall ever not being allowed to go on it. Now that I'm grown with my own kids, they have also been on since they were very small. My oldest daughter is 10, when she first learned to walk, at about 1 1/2 or 2, grandpa installed a seat belt for her. She has learned a lot over the years: she can size her own vest to make sure it fits, steer the boat(sort of) and bait her own fish hooks. She has also been towed on an innertube by my dad and my uncle.
When your child is young, make sure they are restrained and that others show themselves as good role models by following safe boating practices when the child gets older they should have no problem staying seated. Also, start swimming lessons ASAP.
2006-09-18 08:16:33 · answer #3 · answered by alexandrite61 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We went on our dads boat from a few months on.It's a state law all children must wear a life vest fitted for the age of the child.Be sure you get a life vest that has the strap running from front to back between child's legs.We started water skiing at age 4.But we all loved the water and were not afraid.If your child hesitates at all don't make them do it.We also started out on good large tube ,riding with an adult to get us used to hanging on, building arm muscles.Be sure when teaching your child to start out on land .One person can hold the rope and pull at other end to simulate being pulled up from the water..hope this helps and your kids enjoy the water as much as we do.
2006-09-18 07:27:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the person. You sound like me and my husband. We have a boat and I did not want our daughter on it. As long as they have a life jacket that fits them porperly and someone is watching them, go for it. As far as skiing. I think 6 or 7 is old enough. All kids are different. Some are ready and some are not. Lay some ground rules and then have fun on the boat. IF they do not follow the rules, the kids can not go. Meet them in the middle on this. It will be a lot of fun for all of you.
2006-09-18 07:22:03 · answer #5 · answered by dr's mom 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would have to agree with Joey on this one...but less explicitives. I would say 10 or 12, but 6-8yr olds have been known to do it. Depends on the kid, if they seem strong and the kid wants to try, give him/her a chance. if you child is ony 5, I don't think it would be a good idea. Murder is ALWAYS illegal, except in self defense, but there is always stipulations surrounding that anyway. You don't know what your child can or cannot do until you give them the opportunity, to be too conservative maybe overbearing and over protective, and the child may never develop the confidence to believe in themself. I'm not saying what to do or what not to do, ask the child, and let the child answer by his or herself, and if they are taught by experienced skiers, give the child a chance. The child may have the strength and talent to handle it.
2006-09-18 07:36:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My children were 2 and 4 when my mother got her speed boat, and you have to be a parent. If you are not prepared to constantly supervise your children then they dont need to be on the boat no matter what their age. Accidents can occur regardless of age if children are not supervised. As for the skiing question, I was water-sking at age 5 on child skis. It all depends on your child, and if they are comfortable enough to start learning...cause they will fall
2006-09-18 07:24:40 · answer #7 · answered by j3572h 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For water skiing I think 6-8 would be okay. If you are really concerned go along on his first trips instead of holding him back. You and your husband getting your mothers involved is not right on both parts. This is not theirs to decide. This issue is between your husband and you. Trust your husband, he knows what he's talking about. And no, caution is not always better. If you hold your child back too much, things may backfire later. Calmly sit your husband down and talk it over. Hope this helps!
2006-09-18 08:42:17 · answer #8 · answered by geishainkyoto 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
16
2006-09-18 07:16:02 · answer #9 · answered by Al Bundy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first of all, I think that it's the choice of both parents (neither of the grandparents) and if they cant agree then the one that doesn't want the child on the boat should stay home with the child ..me, myself would dare someone to put one of my kids on a boat without my permission (which I would never give) .... but the parents need to sit down and work this out between them and leave the grandparents out of it , whether they want to be or not
2006-09-18 07:23:27 · answer #10 · answered by ptmamas 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋