Boaters’ advocacy organization, BoatUS, has a great list of recommendations for kids prone to seasickness.
Here are a few that jump out:
- Keep the kids well fed–on soft, comfort foods
- No books, no screens
- Hydrate often
- Stay in calm conditions where possible–head downwind rather than upwind, for instance
- Don’t let them stay below
- Try to position them where the breeze can blow on them
- Beware of diesel fumes pooling in the lee of the dodger
- Encourage them to steer the boat or at least keep a lookout (looking at the horizon gives a steady point of reference)
- Talk to them–and keep them talking to you. Break mental patterns
- If they must vomit, don’t let them lean over the side. It’s dangerous
The options for youngsters aren’t as good as for adults, since a lot of medications we use freely for the older crew are not recommended for the younger sailor.
Nevertheless, there are actions and strategies you can implement that will be of great help for the child or teenager suffering the effects of motion sickness.
Read the whole piece. There’s a lot of detail and plenty of great suggestions.