Travelling as a family is always an adventure, but adding house sitting into the mix can add a whole other dimension to the experience. While house sitting with children may seem daunting at first, it can be an incredibly rewarding way to travel and create lasting family memories. You’ll also get free accommodation and meet some adorable new pets along the way. On a recent trip to the United Kingdom, we decided to try out Trusted Housesitters for the first time, and it’s safe to say, we’ve discovered what may just be our new favourite way to travel.
Here’s a look at what house sitting with children involves, the benefits, and how to make it work using Trusted Housesitters.
Why House Sitting with Kids Is a Great Idea
House sitting allowed us as a family to step away from the traditional tourist experience and immerse ourselves in a home-like environment. For our little girl, this meant more than just a change of scenery, it was a chance to learn responsibility, bond with different animals, and explore areas the way a local would. With Trusted Housesitters at each place we stayed we were also looking after some one’s pets which was a great learning experience for our daughter. Feeding, walking, playing with and even giving medicines to the dogs and cats we were looking after helped give our child responsibility while offering her a built-in companion during the stay.
Staying in someone’s home also provided us with more space than you’d traditionally find in a hotel or AirBnB. We had our own garden in which to play, one even with a pool, a kitchen to prepare meals equipped with things like spice and oil that you use a little bit of but don’t want to go and buy a whole container of when on vacation, and toys or games already available. It’s a far more relaxed atmosphere than a hotel or rental.
But one of the things we enjoyed the most is that it gave us a chance to live like locals, exploring nearby parks, kid-friendly activities, and hidden gems that may not be in the guidebooks. Since house sitting took us in to residential areas rather than tourist hotspots, our child was exposed to the local culture more naturally. She got to experience daily life in different towns and cities, from shopping at local markets to visiting neighborhood playgrounds.
Preparing for a House Sit with Kids
Before embarking on a house sit with children, a bit of planning can go a long way. Here are some tips to make the process smooth:
– Choose the Right Sit: When browsing listings on Trusted Housesitters, you’ll need to be flexible with where and when you want to travel. You can filter your search result to include options that are family-friendly and pet owners that don’t mind families. Some homeowners are families themselves, even offering child-proofed spaces, toys, and entertainment. Listings that mention nearby parks or schools are also likely to be in family-oriented neighborhoods.
– Adjust your Expectations: If it’s your first time pet sitting, you’ll need to build up your reviews so for the first few sits you may need to be a little bit flexible in where you want to go and what you look after. You may find better luck with rural locations, sits with multiple pets, longer term sits or last-minute options. When applying highlight how your family can benefit the pets with added attention and care.
– Communicate with Homeowners: Be upfront with the homeowner about bringing your children. Most Trusted Housesitters profiles allow families to apply, but it’s essential to confirm that the homeowner is comfortable with kids being in their home. They may have stairs, lots of glass or priceless family heirlooms that don’t make their home suitable for a stay with kids.
– Pack Wisely: Travelling with kids already means bringing extra items, but house sitting often alleviates the need to pack as much. Homes may be stocked with essentials like highchairs, toys, or even bikes. Always ask what will be available at the house to avoid overpacking.
Managing the Responsibilities with Kids
Balancing pet care and children’s needs might sound challenging, but with some preparation, it can be a fun experience for everyone involved. Depending on your child’s age, you can assign them small tasks related to the pets. Our daughter particularly loved to be the one to dish out the treats, something that made her a firm favourite with the pets too, as well as coming along on dog walks. Involving her in this way helped to foster responsibility and gave her a sense of purpose while also instilled a little taste of home where she has pets too.
Our daily dog walks also became a fun adventure as we used the time to explore the surroundings. Of course, having pets to care for meant that our schedule needed some flexibility to fit in feeding, walking, and playtime, however, with kids in tow, we’re mapping out our day any way so it actually isn’t that much effort to fit a pet into the schedule, particularly if you need to be home for nap and early bedtimes anyway.
Living in a new place together and house sitting with Trusted Housesitters created an opportunity for family bonding while we travelled. Sharing these experiences helped build teamwork and brought us as a family closer through unique, shared adventures. It’s certainly something we’ll do again!
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