Hosting with small children

[Francesca2578]

We're thinking of hosting out a room in our house, it has previously been listed on Airbnb with previous owners successfully and is a downstairs double room with kitchenette, en- suite and seating area. We'd plan a separate entrance to the room and block up another access door into the main house so secure. 

My question is we have small children who are 4 and 6 who are generally really well behaved but as any one with small children will know there are times when they can be a bit noisy. The room is just off the main hallway and stairs so I'm just worried that sound will carry. Has anyone else done this, is putting these details in the listing enough or is it better to wait until they're a bit older?  TIA

[Emilie]

Hi @Francesca2578, 

I hope you are well!

Have you made a decision on way or the other, in the end? I found a discussions here where hosts had discussed a similar question, that might be useful: Hosts with children

One thing you could try in order to check whether this has a big impact is a trial stay, where a friend comes to stay in your house and pretends to be a guest -they can then give you feedback on whether noise does carry for example. 🙂

Looking forward to hearing from you, 

Emilie
 

[Farah148]

@Emilie Great idea! @Francesca2578 Also, I have hung noise dampening blankets over the door that separates my kitchen from the guest suite I rent out. I use two of these heavy duty blankets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W7XQ8V7?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1, and the noise from my kids playing have been reduced a lot. HTH.

[Emilie]

Nice tip @Farah148! I hope you don't mind me asking, how old are your little ones? How have you found welcoming guests in your home with them around so far?  

[Farah148]

@Emilie One attends pre-school, and the other is nearly in high school. I do try to have them only in the adjoining kitchen/dining room during meal times only. Since everyones home set up is different, they should check how much noise comes through after blankets are put over the doors.

[Emilie]

Two very different ages!

It makes sense to adjust the approach depending on each home setup, I'm glad you found something that worked for you -thanks for sharing your experience with us @Farah148 😊

[Marie8425]

@Francesca2578 

It is all about don't be negative but be clear.  I rent bedrooms in a shared house and I smoke cigarettes.  My listings are Guest Favorites.  None of my Guests smoke or Vape haha,

Before I approve, just in case I confirm they noticed.

In case allergies just want to confirm you noticed pets and I smoke cigarettes?  Pleasant, gives an easy out  allergy and covers me that they were aware if they want to stay.

[Emilie]

Communication is key isn't it, @Marie8425 🌟 Do you have a set template then that you send out every time?

[Marie8425]

@Emilie 

Communication is key.  Manner of communication is also key.  I don't say in case you didn't bother reading that I smoke haha(what I am thinking).  In case of allergies, I am giving them a sense of ease that I am not going to fight over, I just don't like the smell of smoke.  Only 1 time in my Arizona time of 4Years did someone after a few days try to contact Airbnb that i smoke.  I sent the confirmation from the guest; she did not get a refund.

When I turn on Instabook for any of my listings that is in the template the guest receives.

When I approve individually, I don't use templates.

It is also keeping things in perspective.  Some people absolutely cannot be near cigarette smoke, plenty don't care.

Same with kids in the next house, I wouldn't care, I joke I raised boys the bomb could explode in my bedroom I say no and roll over lol.

[Emilie]

@Marie8425 How wise of you to highlight the delivery is as important as the content of what you communicate!

How many boys do you have? Did you start hosting only after they were grown or were they part of that journey as well?

[Marie8425]

@Emilie

Haha 4 sons, so if I am half asleep no is the safest answer.  lol No, don't eat ice cream for breakfast.  Haha

[Emilie]

@Marie8425 You cracked me up -my husband is one of 4 boys, from what I hear it's definitely a handful 😂

Sorry @Francesca2578 for taking this opportunity to chitchat -could you let us know what you think of the tips Marie and Farah shared please?

[Marie8425]

@Francesca2578  @Emilie 

Actually chatter is good. My son's have children.  So me and my husband don't have young children now.  Just recently son 4 visited with family. Haha That one 3 grandchildren under 11. 

Children in vacation mode operate on a crazy schedule lol.

Popa goes to bed early. Popa also removes hearing aides to sleep.

Tutu (me) volunteers to be the late night supervision so mom and dad go to bed.

At 11pm Tutu says I think bedtime.  

My 8 year old granddaughter just drives my electric wheelchair to my bedroom Tutu took the hint I went to bed lol

If you clearly state kids but like I said perspective.  Can that sort of safe environment image and maybe no stairs or shower safeties like mat encourage a senior market a plus for them and you

[Marie8425]

@Francesca2578 

A young lol grandma perspective.

We only have small children around us low frequency not daily like you haha.  Small children are great non political lol.

We are aware our preserving techniques have diminished a little, if the Host is raising two young children I am not expecting a crime ridden dangerous neighborhood.

Older, we do like privacy but being aware we are older, you are the invisible safety net of a senior someplace unfamiliar.  That a plus.  You have 2 young children so I don't expect a24 hour guard but has having done that I am asleep not unavailable.

Bathrooms as you age are the biggest hazard.  Water is slippery,  simple things like elevated toilet Home Depot is just a 2" inch higher toilet arthritic knees 2" makes a big difference, Bidet mine are just Amazon 15 minutes to install, bathtub - I bought a heavy duty metal screw on grab handle in the middle, then non slip mats my one textured tub I use those adhesive Amazon traction flowers, movable shower head, outside my shower stall another great Amazon find a support pole no tools to install great heavy duty and safe.

Last, criminals target seniors, all the time.  Young parents don' t create a criminal image.  Your taking great care of your children