There are three things all mothers know they would rather do without their children... take a long car trip, go to a clothing sale and search for houses. Outside of being forced to endure a long road trip where they are stuck in a seat for hours these have to be the two things kids hate the most.
Even in the best of worlds child care is not always available and the kids often have to be a part of the house hunting process. Now.. I really like kids and they seem to like me so we usually get along well. I never mind having children along but there are guidelines that will make it a good experience for everyone.
First you have to understand that no kid wants to do this. Actually most men don't want to do this either but that's another story... It's boring getting in and out of a car and going into a house where you can't touch anything or run around. This is especially true for children under the age of 6. For those older then 6 they would much rather be with their friends or watching TV or just about anything other then being hauled from house to house.
So here are a few tips to make things easier for everyone:
1. Call and let the agent know the children will be along. This will make a big difference on how many homes we see and how best to plan the day. This is very important if you are relocating and need to see a lot of property in a short time. I will usually limit the number of homes being viewed to three or at the most four. This is about as many as most kids are willing to go through before getting antsy. If we have to see more then that I will plan a time and place for them to get out of the car and run around so they can blow off some of that extra energy. An hour break for lunch and play makes everyone happier.
2. Bring snacks: I will usually have water and energy bars but I don't know if your child has allergies or special needs so please pack something for them to nibble on... and if we are my car please be sure it's not red or purple... It's really hard to get fruit punch out of the carpet.
3. Bring books, games or a favorite toy: They will be bored so they need something to do. Also small children don't understand why they can't play with the things they see in a house... so they need something of their own.
4. Bring First-Aid items: I usually have bandages and antiseptic. If you have boys this is a must. Boys don't stand ... they run and sometimes they trip. Girls usually just poke at each other but accidents happen. If your child has special medication or might need an epi-pen please bring them along.
5. When they are tired... it's time to stop: You may be good for another 3 or 4 homes but when the kids have had enough it's time to stop. They get tired and no one will be happy if they are not happy. There is always another day.
If you need to look at a lot of homes it's best to find child care but when you can't don't hesitate to bring the children.... with a little planning we will all have a great time!
Even in the best of worlds child care is not always available and the kids often have to be a part of the house hunting process. Now.. I really like kids and they seem to like me so we usually get along well. I never mind having children along but there are guidelines that will make it a good experience for everyone.
First you have to understand that no kid wants to do this. Actually most men don't want to do this either but that's another story... It's boring getting in and out of a car and going into a house where you can't touch anything or run around. This is especially true for children under the age of 6. For those older then 6 they would much rather be with their friends or watching TV or just about anything other then being hauled from house to house.
So here are a few tips to make things easier for everyone:
1. Call and let the agent know the children will be along. This will make a big difference on how many homes we see and how best to plan the day. This is very important if you are relocating and need to see a lot of property in a short time. I will usually limit the number of homes being viewed to three or at the most four. This is about as many as most kids are willing to go through before getting antsy. If we have to see more then that I will plan a time and place for them to get out of the car and run around so they can blow off some of that extra energy. An hour break for lunch and play makes everyone happier.
2. Bring snacks: I will usually have water and energy bars but I don't know if your child has allergies or special needs so please pack something for them to nibble on... and if we are my car please be sure it's not red or purple... It's really hard to get fruit punch out of the carpet.
3. Bring books, games or a favorite toy: They will be bored so they need something to do. Also small children don't understand why they can't play with the things they see in a house... so they need something of their own.
4. Bring First-Aid items: I usually have bandages and antiseptic. If you have boys this is a must. Boys don't stand ... they run and sometimes they trip. Girls usually just poke at each other but accidents happen. If your child has special medication or might need an epi-pen please bring them along.
5. When they are tired... it's time to stop: You may be good for another 3 or 4 homes but when the kids have had enough it's time to stop. They get tired and no one will be happy if they are not happy. There is always another day.
If you need to look at a lot of homes it's best to find child care but when you can't don't hesitate to bring the children.... with a little planning we will all have a great time!
6 comments:
I love this article. It's been a long time since I had little ones. We kind of forget how hard it can be on the mom, when a child is acting up.
Thank you.. kids are not miniature adults.. sometimes it's easy to forget that..
I love to show houses with children. Because I like kids for starters. And they love to feel like they are moving in, "can I have this room Mom?"
Marty: When the kids start picking their rooms the whole process is a lot more fun for them..
Great Tips Kaye
I like how honest kids can be. They will tell the truth. Today's kids can be pretty savvy consumers.
Mitchell: Kids are the best.. they look at the world as it is... we lose a lot growing up..
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