The girls thought it was pretty important too!! They're old enough to know that if dad wasn't sailing the boat, they'd be in trouble. They're getting the hang of things--how to steer to keep the sails full, straight line, pick a spot on the horizon, etc., and i let the older one drive her into the marina this time. They help with the jib sheets, know how to take two wraps around the winches--clockwise!--and what tacking and jibing is about. So we're gaining.And they really enjoy doing the sailing, and being a part of it, not just sitting there board.

I think you're right about depowering the sails. Show them to release the main and jib sheets, and point her into the wind. And hope i can make it back.
I have a rope boarding ladder that fits on a winch, hangs over. That might work. They could throw the ring about 10 feet. Maybe! For now, this is about all i could hope for. Take it a step at a time. Hell, they'll probably be able to sail better than dad by this fall!