When our son was 8, we started to let him expand his independence on the ships a bit. We looked over the navigator together, and he picked the fun activities he wanted to be at the club to be a part of. There was also the understanding that he would go to the club at certain times, when Mom and Dad had date night at one of the adult restaurants. We started to let him "lead" us back to the room when we picked him up. It was fun for him, and it really helped his sense of direction and where to go if we were ever accidentally separated. By the time we went on the next cruise when he was age 10, we accompanied him the first few days, and then gave him self-check out privileges when we were all very comfortable that he could make his way back to the stateroom at a specific time. So my advice is to let them expand their reach on the ship little by little. Keep them in sight, but let them grow used to the way the ship is laid out. At this age, they really will not be out of your sight unless they are having fun with the other kids and counselors in the club. Rest assured, they will have fun in the clubs and will be safe and secure. I felt like many others, that it was like an extension of their classroom. Being together as a family at Open House time was a great way to start the first day on the ship, meet the counselors, make some friends, and your little ones will be accustomed to the environment and will be more excited to go on their own to familiar surroundings. Hope that helps. It's hard to envision unless you've experienced the ships yourself, but I hope it will set your mind at ease a little.
