For the last nine months or so, Air BnB has become my staple. Throughout the term time, I rent my spare room to individuals and couples; in the school holidays I open up the whole house to groups and families. It’s something which more and more single parents are coming to rely on as benefits are cut and living costs rise rapidly. It’s been hard work for sure (the washing, cleaning and staying up late to welcome delayed guests). It’s also been a great insight into life and love, from the couple’s who always rely on one person to do all the talking, to Viagra man and his mammoth poos (don’t ask, I’m still traumatised). There’s also been lots of surprising benefits. Here’s some of the best ones.
1. My house is way tidier. I’m of the mindset that a tidy home is a waste of time. Sadly Air BnB reviewers rarely agree so I’ve started scrubbing the toilets, hoovering, and wiping down the surfaces with the best of them. And in all fairness I’m finding a clean home is kind of nice.
2. I get free food. When guests leave, especially those who rent the whole place, there’s always treats in store. I usually shop online which means I buy the same things over and over. It’s exciting coming home and getting to raid the fridge for things that you never brought and usually never would. This is my favourite benefit by far.
3. I parent like someone is watching. Because literally they are. I shout less when we have guests and use my patient voice much more. Not always, and as times gone by, I am learning to carry on as close to normal as possible, regardless of our visitors (which is essential if you’re hosting long term without losing your sense of home), but it’s also helping bringing out the best in my parenting.
4. I get company. It’s hit and miss who you get in your home, often you don’t see them much (my favourite kind of guest if I’m honest), sometimes you see them far too much when they aren’t your cup of tea, but sometimes you get to chat and enjoy some company of an evening which is never a bad thing as a solo mum.
5. The money. Let’s be honest, the main reason we all do this is the money. For me and my family it’s been a lifeline. At a time when I was made redundant, the income from Air BnB has enabled me to cover my mortgage costs and free up cash to cover a holiday or two.
6. It’s reminded me how amazing my family is. Without fail, everyone who has stayed with us has been happy (well, that was till our last guests but I’m wiping them from my mind so let’s just ignore that for now). I gained superhost status pretty quickly which was a lovely boost to my morale and made all the hard work worthwhile. But it’s more than that.
I’ve had quite a few people comment what a beautiful family I have. Yes my kids are cute, granted, but the comments are about more than that. When people walk in from a long day of work, or traipsing round the sites of London and they walk in on a scene from my family life, they like it. They see a mum caring for her boys, an older child playing with his baby brother, and a baby who is a bundle of joy at all the attention he receives. It gives me the validation we all crave, but which I rarely receive.
People tell me how amazing it is that I’m raising my boys solo. There was a time when I wouldn’t have believed them, but you know – they’re bloody right. Having others appreciate what I do and praising my little family is heart warming. I know couples who talk about how amazing their kids are, and their kids are amazing; and mum’s who’s partners tell them they are fab – and they are fab, now I’m getting to hear it too. And I like it. I like it a lot.
Do you host? What are the benefits you’ve gained?
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For those of you interested in hearing more about real life stories of single mum’s hosting, check out this blog by Airbnbaby