Create Comfortable, Safe, Fun Place For The Kids
Special extras:
Make sure the child’s room is safe for their age. Check windows and locks; cover outlets with inexpensive plastic plugs; and make sure drapery or blinds cords are out of reach of small hands. Remove temptations that could hurt them or others.
If the room where a child will be staying has a VCR or DVD player and TV, consider renting a couple of children’s movies for their entertainment. If this is not feasible,let parents know it will be available so they can bring a beloved movie from home.
Include a special treat, such as a sucker or ring pop or potato chips (be sure first that there are no dietary restrictions or health concerns).
Place a new coloring book and crayons in the room for quiet fun.
If available, place a children’s book in the room.
- Consider placing a clean bathrobe on the back of the door for guests. Often, bathrobes—especially the bulky terry-cloth or velour variety—take too much room in a suitcase and are left at home.
- Place a telephone in the room , if you’re comfortable, so that guests can make calls in privacy.
- Place a reading lamp and a book or two along with a recent magazine for late-night reading.
- Place fresh flowers in the bedroom or bathroom as a special “welcome” gesture.
- Include an extra pillow or blanket in the closet.
- Add a small basket of candies or chocolates as an extra surprise.
- Make an ironing board/iron available for clothing touch-ups.
- Homeowners with frequent guests sometimes purchase a small dorm-sized refrigerator for visitors and fill it with water and other beverages. This is a very special perk, but guests love being able to get a drink without having to venture into the homeowner’s kitchen.
- Leave out some paper and pen and pencil. Include a small pair of scissors (safely out of reach of any children, of course) so that visitors can remove clothing tags or other needs.
- Research and leave useful information out ahead of time. If you know the family plans to visit an entertainment park, print out the hours and prices for convenience. Look for any always-welcomed money-saving coupons or discounts. Families not from the area may not know of local savings options. If the family will be at your home for an extended time period, perhaps due to being displaced from their home, find out what school the children will attend and what paperwork will need to be completed and the process that is required.
- Include child-friendly bedding or a special stuffed animal or toy where the child will be sleeping.
- Place a step-stool in the bathroom a child will be using for easier reach of the sink, if children are young.
- Make games, puzzles, dolls, trucks, or other child-related toys accessible and encourage children to play with them while visiting.
