As a mother of two and a liveaboard sailing family, let me share some tips for sailing with kids.

Kids need to know they are no longer dealing with Mom, Dad or Uncle What's-His-Face. They are dealing wit a crew and need to know when the captain says something, it is not to be argued.

The best way I've found to do this is to spend time on the boat with it at dock. Let them get used to the boat and the new rules on the boat. Also, make sure the kids have their own crew titles. On my boat, when we first got it, one was a deckhand and one was the lookout. The girls loved knowing they had jobs aboard the boat.

Make sure you keep the kids involved at age appropriate levels. As a 3 year old, my youngest was able to help steer, with a grown-ups help. At 6 my oldest daughter coung raise the jib, only needing help to cinch it tight and make it off.

The girls were also regularly assigned to keep lookout for animals. They found a flock of the largest jellyfish I've ever seen, (thank god we weren't swimming).

Remember, for kids to enjoy the sport, they have to be involved.