Staying with friends who have small children is a lovely way to see them, but it comes with a different rhythm. The house wakes up early, there are little feet on the stairs, and breakfast is a busy affair. If you know this before you arrive, it is much easier to enjoy it. A few practical habits will help you fit in without getting in the way.
Fitting in with the household
Ask your hosts what a normal morning looks like. Find out when the children usually get up, when breakfast is, and which rooms are noisy or quiet. Ask where you can put your things and whether there is a room or corner that is off limits. Small questions like these show that you are thinking about the family and not only about yourself. They also avoid awkward moments later.
Pack in a way that suits an early start. Bring earplugs and an eye mask if you like a lie-in, but do not expect complete quiet. Put your things in one bag so that you can tidy up quickly. Keep a dressing gown or a jumper by the bed, so that you can go downstairs comfortably when the children appear. A small torch or lamp is useful for finding your way if the landing is dark.
Be flexible in the morning. If you are awake anyway, offer to help with breakfast, lay the table or keep an eye on the children while the parents get dressed. Children love a guest who is willing to play. Do not feel you have to be lively at once; a quiet cup of tea and a smile is a fine start. If you prefer to stay in your room for a while, say so kindly.
Bring something small for the children, such as a book or a simple game, and do not forget to thank the parents. Leave the room tidy, strip the bed if they would like you to, and offer to take the children to the park or on a walk so they can have a rest. Early mornings are only a small part of the visit, and the children often remember who played with them long after you have left.
