Children? Do you allow / Do you allow to sleep in double bed with parents?

[faheem]

@Helsi

My thought is that if you did want to accept this booking you could send them a special offer to include the cost for the third person.

But the booking would still show 2 people. Contradicting my statement that children should be treated like people.

@Helsi

Entirely up to you if you aren’t comfortable you can decline without discussing further.

Well, I’m not enthusiastic about it. I have an additional Rs 350 per person per night rate, which would certainly not cover the potential hassle. And I can’t bring myself to ask for significantly more, because it would seem jerky.

And in its helpful way Airbnb has changed what I remember as “Not suitable for children (0-12 years)” to “May not be safe or suitable for children (0-12 years)”. I wonder if I should be more explicit in my house rules, to avoid this kind of thing. Suggested wording?

[konacoconutz]

I get this kind of request frequently and turn it down. Just because the kid sleeps in the parents’ bed doesn’t mean they won’t impact your home in other,ways… Noise, added utilities, breaking breakables, etc.

Just say no.

“Sorry, I have a maximum of two guests here so I won’t be able to accommodate your family. You have numerous choices in Mumbai so I’m positive you will find a rental that will be a better fit.”

[faheem]

Hi @konacoconutz,

Thanks for the feedback. How are you doing? And how are you surviving the Trumpocalypse? Lol, I thought I just made that up right now, but apparently not - https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=trumpocalypse

I know you have experience with kids, being the mother of two and all, but have you had any first hand experience of kids in your rental? Just curious.

[konacoconutz]

Yes… I made an exception for someone who begged during the sold out Ironman. They came from Poland and brought their 10-year old. Things were okay with the kid and they paid the extra price but these were the guests who ruined my gas grille by lighting briquettes in it.

I think I had one with a small baby once and I made an exception because I was desperate. No issues that I can remember.

Trumpocalypse is horrendous, thanks for asking. We have placed our democracy in the hands of a bumbling narcissistic man child and a far right extremist staff bent on ruling by authority, subverting free press and defying our constitution and the the rule of law. But other than that Mrs. Lincoln, everything is fine!

[faheem]

So, basically this is just a statistical call, right? Let’s not agree to something that might make my life more difficult?

@konacoconutz

Trumpocalypse is horrendous, thanks for asking.

I’ve never seen press like this. It’s like the international news media is on fire. Even the infamous Dubya never got press like this.

[konacoconutz]

I would only do it if you can get extra for the kid. But usually asking if it is OK if the child sleeps in the bed is guestspeak for insisting the child should come along free.

I personally wouldn’t, didn’t you say your place is not appropriate for kids?

As for Trump… this was posted by my friends in England.
Sadly I think all the dissent and protest will only make him feel more emboldened.
We definitely have a worldwide crisis on our hands.
My secret hope is that he will do something so outrageous and unconstitutional that even the most stalwart GOP will have to remove him from office.

[faheem]

Hi @konacoconutz,

@konacoconutz

I personally wouldn’t, didn’t you say your place is not appropriate for kids?

I’d say so, yes. But my first hand experience with small children is severely limited. I do know they can be very creative about getting into trouble. And nothing about my house or the guest room was designed from the pov of having children there.

I’ve already written them a message saying no. When actually declining should I go with “not comfortable” or “doesn’t fit the guest needs”?

I’m going to add some explicit language to my listing about children now.

@konacoconutz

Sadly I think all the dissent and protest will only make him feel more emboldened.

It’s hard to say how he will feel.

@konacoconutz

We definitely have a worldwide crisis on our hands.

Yes, this is all getting very interesting. Right now I’m actually feeling fairly relieved that I’m not in the US. Which is an unusual feeling for me.

[faheem]

I’ve now added the following language to (the early part of) my house rules

The listing and the surroundings are not suitable for small children (under the ages of 12).

Is this sufficient? Suggestions welcomed.

[Louise]

Cribs aren’t all safe. Co-sleeping is safe if parents don’t smoke, or do drugs, get drunk. It’s not the role of a host to govern What parents decide what is best for their children. Are you going to say they shouldn’t breast feed, use formula? My sister coslept with her children, many do and it is safe, cribs are a safe choice if they are up to current safety standards, don’t have crib bumpers etc. One serious issue re cribs is the matttress, the fireproofing when combined with body secretions produces toxic gases. In New Zealand they cut SIDS by wrapping all mattresses. A high rate of SIDS was found in military families they were using a pool of baby cribs, the mattresses where being used Over and over again. So, key points, use new crib mattresses, or wrap them in material that blocks outgassing of toxic fumes.