How to ensure that your kids don’t misbehave

Going on a cruise with your kids is a great vacation idea. Not only do you get to let your hair down and enjoy thoroughly but the kids also have a hell of a time with so many activities being organized for them onboard.

But, would you like being pestered or troubled by someone on your cruise trip? The universal answer would be a no. In the same manner, one must understand that others would also not like it if they were unnecessarily pestered by someone. There are instances at times when certain over-mischievous kids indulge in little acts that disturb others.

Certain examples could be splashing water at the pool side, running around and bumping into people, spraying soapy water on others and running off, spilling milk or food on others intentionally or unintentionally while dining at casual buffets. If they fall into bad company, they could end up doing worse things like taking drugs and alcohol.

It is very essential that you talk to your kids before embarking on the trip brief them on the impending trip and lay down certain don’ts for them. You have to give them leeway to enjoy but definitely not at anyone else’s expense.

Certain don’ts that they should understand and abide by are as listed below.

No splashing water at the poolside when they are swimming along with the adults in the common pools. If they feel restless, they can give a vent to it in one of the splash pools meant for kids onboard.

Avoid running on the decks and other places onboard. They could easily bump into an elderly person and hurt him/her. If they wish to run and play around, there is ample space in the kids’ zone (areas specially designed for kids).

While dining, no throwing food at each other. They need to be careful while carrying their  plates lest they bump into someone and spill food on the other person and dirty his/her well-ironed new shirt or trouser.

No playing mischief on others like filling a spray gun with water, standing near elevators and spraying it on people coming out and then zooming away.

Ships have rules laid down for kids. If they break them, they are given a warning. If the child persists, he/she can be suspended from the activities of the youth program. Make the kids clearly aware of the rules.

The kids should be told strictly not to try sneaking into bars and casinos if they are below the age requirements. Teens need to be specifically made understood to stay away from any sort of drugs, alcohol or sex. At their age, it is easy to fall prey to any of these things.

Keep a tab on your children at regular intervals. You can keep in touch through walkie-talkies or you can decide to meet at a pre-decided time at a particular place. At times, if they tell you that they are going to the video parlour to play games, you can just go there after around10-15 minutes to check on them. It’s not that you don’t trust them. It’s just that kids or teens can easily be swayed by others at their age. You don’t even have to overdo things or be over-anxious as there are youth counsellors who keep proper tabs on children’s activities.

Lay down certain rules and give them little punishments if they break them. For instance, if they are not back into their cabin by 11.00pm, they will have to retire into their cabins by 9.00pm the next evening. So, if they are punished once, you’ll find them coming on time henceforth.

Lastly, we all need to understand that we go on cruises to have fun, joy and excitement, to relax and chill out. And in this process, we should not hurt ourselves or anyone else. If we can convey this message to our kids in the most loving as well as firm manner, they should surely understand.