Toddlers

A nightmare. One option is just don't do it. But if you do, grit your teeth, lower your expctations, move everything sharp or breakable out of their way as you would at home (some would go as far as exchanging their wine glasses for plastic but I believe standards here have to be maintained), including winch handles which are such fun to toss into the sea, and make sure to take their mother with you - and hope she doesn't get seasick when calming them down below during a rocky passage. An older sibling can be incredibly helpful too. Of course keep them in a buoancy aid all the time they are out of the cockpit (or even in it some would advise) and use a life line when at sea (around which they will undoubtedly bcome entangled). A folding seat which clamps to the cabin table into which you can lash them is also a must, and setting up a lee cloth behind which they can sleep and play is another useful tip (but they will probably soon learn to climb over it). They have to be watched all the time. The cockpit makes a fine playpen at anchor with plenty of things to play with, like the engine controls and cockpit locks (not recommended in those silly boats where the back of the cockpit provides direct entry into the sea). At sea tossing small bits of paper over the side and seeing them flutter away seems to amuse. Enjoy!