Can I house sit with my three year old?

[BarbaraVineFan]

Inspired by the thread about the house sitter on here, I have begun thinking about signing up to be a paid house sitter - I understand there is a market for this, and I'm happy to look after cats, although not dogs. However, I'm single mum to a 3 year old DD. Does anyone know if this would exclude me from doing it? She is well-behaved and reliably toilet trained (not that the house owner would necessarily know that!)

I wouldn’t let you house sit for me,sorry

I guess there's no harm in putting it in your advert.

I do be surprised at some things people don't mind compared to what I do mind. Everyone has their likes and dislikes.

I wouldn’t want a house sitter to have a small child in tow.

And I would be really, really pissed off if I found out after the fact.

Agree with others. I wouldn't want a small child here, sorry. We don't have small DC any longer, (or DGC) and the house isn't really child friendly. One of the little perks of having grown up children is that I can finally have stuff I love without worrying that it's going to get damaged by chocolatey fingers, or crayons or that I need to move ornaments out the way.

One of my friends went away over Easter & their house sitter was a mum & toddler. My friend's DC are secondary age so she'd borrowed some toys and things from various neighbours, left some pamphlets for the local attractions for that sort of age group (having asked me what I'd recommend as they moved here after their DC were that age) and did a little welcome pack for the little girl with some craft things and bits in.
My friend is lovely and saw the fact that this family were feeding her pets and watering her plants almost as a bonus! They're coming back again this summer.

I've just realised my post suggested that people who wouldn't welcome a toddler aren't lovely! I should have phrased it that my friend is really chilled & not particularly house proud. They were also really keen to make this arrangement work as their older cat hates the cattery.

@nobodygoesdowninthejungle that is lovely!

We use house sitters, and on principle, I might not mind, but the house is set up for us as adults so it's not particularly child friendly.

My friend comes to watch our dog with two small whirlwinds in tow! But I am a relaxed mum of 4 and our house is super kid friendly.

She leaves it very clean and tidy the only thing that annoys me is the toys are all mixed up but it's a small price to pay haha!

I have a toddler and use house sitters but there's no way I'd pay someone to house sit with a small child in tow. I really like my house and wouldn't want to risk it being damaged.

We use Trusted Housesitters and many people with children house sit. We'll often get applicants from whole families - husband and wife and 2 or 3 kids.
I have to admit we usually pick a single person or a couple. Our cat is very nervous and I do worry that little children would chase him around. I think little kids mean well but they get too excited around animals. It would freak our cat out and he'd probably run away for a few days (not what we want!).
Also we just feel more comfortable with one person in the house. Sometimes we've used a couple but tend to choose more mature couples. I think I just have stereotyped ideas that a mature couple would be more sensible! Maybe not true.
I would consider a mum and a young child definitely but it was a choice between them and a single person I'd go for the single person (if I liked them). I think you have nothing to lose by joining an agency.

I'm a paid house sitter and would be surprised if you'll get many people that would be happy with a child that young. Maybe try again when she's older?

Thanks everyone - mixed responses. I might look into it.

For whoever suggested I might just turn up with DD, not having revealed her existence, of course I wouldn't dream of doing that!

We've done it.. we're not paid though what site are you looking to register with to be paid?