Hosting Families: A Guide to Welcoming Guests with Children

Creating a family-friendly space to attract a diverse audience

With the increased flexibility of parents working and living in different locations, hosting families has become a desirable option for many hosts. However, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for children requires thoughtful preparation and updates to your listing. Here's what you need to know:

Planning Ahead for Hosting Families

If you're open to welcoming guests with children, there are steps you can take to feel more at ease:

• Communicate in advance about the amenities available in your space and provide recommendations for family-friendly activities and supplies.
• Gradually prepare your space for hosting families by making smart choices in furniture selection, decluttering, and removing breakables and sharp objects from children's reach.
• Stock your kitchen with durable, reusable plates and cups to prevent accidents and broken dishes.
• Enhance safety measures by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and childproofing elements like cabinet latches and outlet covers. 
• Consider including a cleaning fee in your total pricing to offset the costs of supplies or professional cleaning services.

Taking Safety Precautions

To protect your guests and your home, implement these safety precautions:

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms near the kitchen area.
• Regularly check and replace batteries in the alarms.
• Include local emergency numbers in your house manual and provide a quick reference card for guests.

Be prepared to handle issues by using the Resolution Center for missing or damaged items and requesting compensation for trip-related incidents.

Thoughtful Amenities

To make families feel at home and enhance their stay, consider providing the following amenities:

• Extra towels, sheets, and essential toiletries like toilet paper and pantry items.
• Cleaning supplies, including paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and stain removers.
• Commonly requested items such as a crib and a high chair for guests with infants.
• Ensure your listing details accurately reflect the amenities you offer to attract the right type of travelers.

Updating Your Listing

Refresh your listing details to showcase your space's family-friendly features:

• Update your listing title and description to set clear expectations and attract suitable guests.
• Include amenities like air conditioning, washer/dryer, and kitchen facilities.
• Specify whether laundry detergent is provided and mention any additional charges.
• Highlight if you have a bathtub and include corresponding photos in your image gallery.
• Ensure your listing photos accurately represent the space and its amenities.

By making these preparations and providing thoughtful amenities, you can create an inviting environment for families and enhance the overall guest experience.

Please note that information in this article may have changed since publication, so it's essential to stay updated on any policy or guideline updates.