12 Ways to Prepare Kids for Living on a Sailboat

Transitioning to life on a sailboat is a monumental task—one filled with discovery, challenges, and the chance to create unforgettable family memories. But let’s be honest, moving your entire life (and your kids!) onto a floating home is no small feat. For children, the change can be exciting yet overwhelming, especially when faced with new routines, smaller spaces, and the ever-shifting horizon.

When we decided to make the leap, our primary goal was to ensure the kids felt safe, included, and, most importantly, excited about the journey ahead. Over time, through plenty of trial and error, we found ways to make this lifestyle work not just for us as parents, but for our kids too.

Whether you’re already planning your move or simply dreaming of it, we hope these insights make your transition a little smoother—and a lot more enjoyable!

Aim for Personalised Spaces  

Even on a boat where space is at a premium, we found that carving out personalised areas for each child was essential. We’ve found that tailoring these spaces to their passions makes a world of difference. For Kota, it was a couple of extra shelves for his growing book collection. For Harlow, we transformed a storage box into a combination makeup and art station. These small touches helped them feel grounded and created a sense of ownership over their new home.

Simplify & Declutter  

Living on a boat requires embracing minimalism—but this doesn’t have to be a tough sell for kids. We softened the blow by explaining the practical reasons for downsizing and storing non-essential items instead of getting rid of them. Introducing space-saving hacks, like using eBooks instead of physical copies, helped ease the transition. And focusing on compact toys, like small dolls instead of bags full of soft toys, made the adjustment less overwhelming... even for our snuggly loving girl!

Maintain Connections (& Seek Out New Ones) 

Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to maintain connections with friends and family, no matter where you are. We use Starlink for internet, FaceTime, Messenger Kids, and even multiplayer games like Minecraft to stay in touch. Additionally, platforms like NoForeignLand and kid-centric sailing groups on Facebook have helped us find other families nearby. While some of these friendships may be short-lived, others can blossom into long-term connections, both online and in person.

Communication & Collaboration

Clear communication has been at the core of our family especially when preparing kids for life on a boat. Sharing our reasons for making this lifestyle change and highlighting the exciting opportunities it brings meant we were all excited of the new possibilities. We try to including the kids in decisions - like planning the journey or selecting destinations they’re curious about - make them feel part of the adventure rather than passive passengers.   

Sailing Safety  

Safety has been at the forefront of our priorities since day one. While our kids knew how to swim before we moved aboard, they weren’t exactly confident in open water. Daily swims quickly changed that, and now they’re more comfortable in the ocean than ever! Early on however, we implemented clear safety rules—like wearing life jackets on deck and always having a buddy system. These habits ensured everyone felt secure while learning the ropes of boat life.

Consider Routines  

We thrive on structure, so establishing routines was non-negotiable for us. Mornings start with quiet activities like reading or drawing (and, let’s be honest, occasional sibling squabbles), followed by breakfast and schooling at 8 a.m. Incentivising the kids to complete their schoolwork efficiently with "free device" time during set hours keeps them motivated. While routines might not suit every sailing family, for us, they are the backbone of our sanity.

Find a Homeschooling Plan That Suits Your Family 

Homeschooling took a lot of trial and error. We tried “flexible” life schooling, writing our own plans, and even experimenting with too many (or too few) subjects. None of it worked. Eventually, we found balance with the EUKA curriculum, which provided structure while allowing us to tailor lessons to our kids’ needs & now supplement with interest-based projects, and include extra handwriting & reading.

Assign Roles on Board  

We were never the family who required the kids to do chores but on the boat, assigning roles was a game-changer. It helped the kids feel like valued members of the crew while easing the workload for everyone. Tasks like tidying up their areas, helping prepare meals, or assisting during docking have become second nature. Over time, we noticed a significant shift in their attitudes—they embraced teamwork and took pride in their contributions to our daily lives.

Address Fears & Concerns 

While fears weren’t a major discussion point from the kids initially, they surfaced as we encountered challenging situations. Addressing these concerns openly has been crucial. We discuss emergency protocols regularly, ensuring the kids know what to do in a variety of scenarios. These conversations, though sometimes uncomfortable, have built their confidence and deepened their understanding of safety measures. For us, creating an environment where they feel heard and prepared has been invaluable.

Foster a Sense of Adventure  

Moving onto a boat is a significant change, but presenting it as an adventure full of discovery helps build excitement. We introduced the kids to maps, marine life guides, and sailing documentaries to stoke their curiosity. Whether it’s spotting dolphins during a sail or exploring a secluded beach, finally reaching a peak after a long and hot hike, we choose to emphasise the unique experiences this lifestyle offers.

Prepare for the Ick.... Seasickness  

Seasickness was an unknown for us when we first moved onto the boat, so we started with a "belt-and-braces" approach. We stocked up on seasickness bands, motion sickness medication, and a full arsenal of Buderim Ginger Factory supplies—cordial and gummy bears being our top picks. After a few sails, Kota confidently declared he didn’t need any remedies, while Harlow opted to keep the wristbands on and a cup of ginger cordial within reach. As their sea legs strengthened, we noticed we were relying on the preventatives less and less. These days, we only turn to our trusted Buderim Ginger stash when rough conditions make it necessary. The process not only built their resilience but also made seasickness feel like a manageable, temporary challenge rather than a daunting barrier.

Incorporate Fun and Familiar Activities  

Finally, bringing along favourite games, crafts, and hobbies ensures a sense of normalcy amidst the change. Compact board games, art supplies, or a deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment and comfort on long passages or rainy days. Balancing novelty with familiarity makes life on board exciting yet reassuring for kids.

Preparing your kids for life on a sailboat is as much about mindset as it is about logistics. It’s a journey of patience, adaptability, and finding what works best for your family. From creating spaces that feel like home to establishing routines and addressing concerns head-on, every small effort adds up to a smoother transition.

This lifestyle comes with its unique set of challenges, but it also offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, connection, and adventure. Watching our kids gain confidence, build resilience, and embrace the magic of life at sea has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—what matters most is staying flexible and working together as a family. With open communication, a sense of adventure, and a bit of trial and error, you’ll find your rhythm on the water. Here’s to raising little sailors and making memories that will last a lifetime!

P.S. Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained on board?

I’ve created a free printable with 100 activity ideas for kids on a boat! From creative crafts to fun games, it’s packed with inspiration to make life afloat more enjoyable for the whole family. Download your copy now and keep the adventures going, rain or shine! ⛵✨