What's a good (responsible) age for a kid to be at a place along with their parents?

[Ken2435]

Under Airbnb Guest Safety they only give two options for kids - Under 2 and 2 to 12.  2 to 12 seems super broad. 0 to 5 will not work at our place but what about 6, 7, 8, etc.? We want to be able to accommodate a family with a kid or two but don't know what age those kids should be to be responsible and respectful of our place.  e.g. is an 8 year old going to be a good guest? Is that too young? Not old enough? We don't have kids and we're too old to remember what we were like back then :). Any advice? Thanks!  Ken

[Jessica3021]

I thought the same thing. Their age ranges are a little broad and should be from 0 to 5 and 6 to 12 or something more along those lines 

[Bronwyn100]

Hi Ken I think the reason Airbnb ask about under 2 is two fold. Firstly is your property safe for toddlers. Secondly, do you supply a high chair and cot. I supply both these and my deck is enclosed for safety. Children over 5 are fine and remember they are being supervised by their parents. 

[Frances3408 · Accepted solution]

@Ken2435. Ken, as a mum I would say responsible parents raise responsible kids ;).

As you dont know this when they book I would be careful about any under 12s in your space, excluding the under 1s who cant do much apart from crawl around (watch the early walkers who will try and pull up on anything and puke/wipe on carpets, walls). The parents will also expect you to have barriers for the stairs and a plethora of kid friendly amenities. So probably good youve excluded them.

Years ago we took our then 12 and 9 year olds to historical Davenport in Tasmania and stayed at a lovely old historical BNB where breakfast was served in the morning room at small tables with proper china and table cloths. We arrived late so our kids had to sit at another table with other adult (strangers). Apparently they charmed these guests with their manners and social skills. So sometimes its fine.

I've hosted every kid age group from zero to late teens and if you are going to do the 2-12 or even 5-12 age then I'd be putting away your nice things and getting a TV as a back up. I'd also want a yard so they can burn their energy off outside as they can cause lots of damage when bored. Over 12 more self directed so its more about reliable wifi for their gadgets unless they are sporty kids with active parents (again encourage them out of your house during the day with local activities.

But you have been hosting successfully for 7 years so maybe families with young kids arent your key market anyway given your historical town and guidebook?

Another host posted here recently about Airbnb's wide age booking range of 2-12 and I agree that it needs to be broken down further or ideally a drop down age below selection block.

My 2 cents 🙂

[Fred13]

I always took Airbnb under-2/2+ age groupings as 'infant/non-infant'. We cater to families, thus get many kids. They reflect their parents, if parents are the 'our kids can't do no wrong' - you will have spoiled children, if they are real parents (preparing their kids to be ultimately good citizens) you will get great kids.

We offer an isolated outdoor type of place so is not that critical which type we get, but can appreciate why more 'delicate' places better get well-mannered children only.

[Ken2435]

Thank You!  Ken