This week, our family did something crazy together.  We took to the waves together for the first time.  There we were, a 6 year old with his mom and dad totally clueless about what to do, and nervous about how we were going to survive the next 2 hours.  (3 year old brother posed for some pics on the surf board but was too young for the lesson).   The experience was phenomenal to say the very least.   First of all, we were so happy with our surf instructors from the Surf Academy by Dane Keahole on Waikiki.  But more significantly, the experience of trying to gain a new skill that none of us had ever tried before was such a bonding experience.  There are such rare moments where you are at the same starting point as your 6 year old, struggling and fearing the same things.

For our 6 year old, the experience of watching mom and dad take on a new challenge alongside him seem to be particularly energizing.   He seemed determined to out do us…and it really wasn’t hard for him to do so.  For me, I found it wonderfully freeing to know nothing more about something than my child.   I didn’t feel the need correct him or give any tips.  We were all in for the ride together.   This will be a memory that we carry with us for many many years to come.  So, if you are thinking of putting yourself out there to try something totally novel!  Go ahead and take the whole family with you.  This is the stuff great memories are made of.

Other Kid-Friendly Activities in Oahu, Hawaii