Has anyone been a host family to a teenager?

BLUEBIE

Hi

I am thinking about becoming a host for a teenager for the next academic year, my Children are all up for it and keen. It will be for the whole academic year although I assume they will go home during holidays, but if not thats not a problem either. I'm trying not to put too much detail on here, but has anyone ever done something like this and have any tips / advice?

Feel free to pm me if you prefer

Thanks

xx

Artytarty

Hi, we are a host family for Hong Kong boys at half term twice a year.
That is about ten nights in a row. I enjoy it but that is long enough. I don't know about the whole academic year.
The amount I get has been fixed for a few tars and I now find it harder to make it stretch and give the same level of treats, heat etc.
the oil and electricity get eaten up at a fast rate as they tend to feel the cold here! Also, the older they have got, it's been the same three boys for four years, the more they eat! Sometimes I feel like I would just like a rest rom the constant cooking and laundry.
But on the other hand, it is quite rewarding and we have built a good relationship with them. BUT.. The more you care about them the longer the list of worries gets! Ie academic results, not really my problem , but I want them to do well so I stress if they ae not revising just like I did with my own three.
If I can be of any more help pm me.

Joons

I've hosted all kinds of students but for no more than five months and that was too much for me, I prefer the two week stints, then you get a break from them, I was taking two at once though. It's a bit of hard work, ie, making packed lunches etc but it pays well.

Caroline_a

I heard so many horror stories that I never even considered it! A school friend of mine had an exchange student to stay and she brought no change of underwear and refused to wash them. She was there a fortnight....:eek:

Artytarty

Yes , I think boys are maybe less trouble than girls! The first time they came they only brought one pair of socks each for nearly two weeks! But now they are better. They will use the Internet all day and night, heat themselves with a hair dryer if they are cold and many other funny/ irritating things! Wnt get put of bed till midday, etc, just like most teenagers! I suppose if you are doing to long term then you lay down the ground rules first and don't fall into the trap of " spoiling " them because they are on holiday like we did.
They have occasionally been here when some of my own brood have been at home, it's ok, if a trifle awkward. I like to see them come and I like to see them go! We are always here during term time for anything they might want us for but are seldom called upon.
Just remembers, I find it very annoying and isolating when they talk in their own language and I can't understand at mealtimes. I'd rather be on my own than excluded. I have asked them to speak English for their own benefit , but they are only kids and can't be bothered!

BLUEBIE

Thanks for the replies, this is for young professional athletes so I assume they will be fairly disaplined. Any tips on what to do / not to do would be good. What do you supply them with? Was all for going out to buy new tv and computer for the room, is that over board?

Joons

I had girls, they were all lovely, except one.

Joons

Lay down the house rules as soon as so they know what they can and can't do. I had a TV and set box put in their room but you don't have to. They need a wardrobe and a desk to study at. You will have to help them with buses etc and agree times to be home by, you really are pretty much responsible for them the whole time. I was lucky, I never had any problems and as I have said, 2 weeks was enough for me.

Artytarty

Tv in room depends on how much you want th em to integrate with your family, of not, then tv in own room.
It sound like they Are young adults, not school children/ teenagers?
How will you feel if they go out" celebrating" and comes in very very late somewhat the worse for wear?
It might be a good experience for your family though.
Would you be having more than one staying?

BLUEBIE

No I would like them to integrate just thought tv etc might be nice. they are school age 13 - 16.

Joons

They can still integrate with you, in fact they should be but having a TV in their room gives them that little bit extra and it stops them sitting with you all night. I sat with them during dinner but then they would retire upstairs to their room. As they were always in pairs, this worked quite well.