The Dos and Don’ts of House Hunting with Kids

You're making a move to Calgary and have brought along your kids to be a part of the house hunting adventure. You have a lot of territory to cover within the next few days and a lot to get done before heading back home. You’re hoping that you'll be able to find the right Calgary home on this trip so that you don't have to return again to start a new search. The kids will need to be handled so that they go with the flow as best as possible and remain happy so that things can get accomplished.

Here are some of the do's and don'ts that you should follow when you're house hunting with your children.

Do:

Allow your children to be a part of things. The more they feel involved and a part of the process the smoother things will go for everybody. Ask them questions as they are viewing a home to get their input. When the children are kept as an interactive important part of the house hunt they will willingly remain a part of it for hours.

Don't:

Talk over the kids. If you're holding rambling conversations with the homeowners and your real estate agent your children are going to get bored and that's when trouble can start. Conversations should be kept to covering the vital information that will actually help you make a final decision on a home.

Do:

Keep the children well fed. A hungry child can be become upset or unruly quickly. Make sure that you schedule meal and snack times into your day of house shopping.

Don't:

Give the kids any processed sugar while you're out and about looking at houses. While it may keep them quiet for a while but they're bound to get a sugar high and then later crash as a result. Bring along high-protein snacks so that their energy levels remain constant along with their moods.

Do:

Bring along some quiet entertaining things such as books or car travel games to keep them amused while traveling between homes.

Don't:

Forget about your children. If they are quiet for extended periods of time check up and make sure that they are doing okay. A shy child may be afraid to say that he is getting hungry or bored when there are other adults around.

One of the best ways to help get your kids through the day is to offer a reward once it's done. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant perhaps followed by a big bowl of ice cream will be an exciting goal that would help get them through this day and give them something to look forward to. It would be a great reward for you too as a parent!