Let me take you back about ten years ago. I was deep in the trenches of mum life, with my daughter Hannah, who was one year old at the time. One of my besties, who was a teacher, asked if I could watch her son every Monday, so she could work, she wanted to avoid putting him in daycare. I happily agreed – not just because I love a good favour-for-a-friend moment, but because it meant built-in playdates for Hannah and she even paid me a bit of money (side hustle idea there mums) Two kids under 3 running around? Piece of cake, right? (side note: It was not a piece of cake.) lol

I have been doing homestay on and off for 20 years and in that time I have learnt a thing or two about shopping and catering for my international guests.

I wanted to share a few tips that might help other families because. I know that catering for others can be a source of anxiety for some, however with a bit of planning and preparation you will find that it isn’t that daunting and totally doable!

I have found, during my time as a frugal SAHM of 4, plus as an international homestay parent, that I need to be on the ball when it comes to grocery shopping.

By following these rules on auto pilot I don’t need to add extra thinking to my busy, sensory overloaded weeks, plus I know that I am always getting a good deal and I can feel good about that.

It can be difficult to connect with some students, because they seem so shy and reserved. Are they okay? Do they like it here with our family? I just don't know...

our students just loved Micah, he was a very popular little baby with our students friends also…. he loved the attention he got from them all

The money I receive as a host parent isn’t a wage, it is classed as an allowance, which means it is completely tax free, and does not need to be declared as taxable income to the tax man at all.

Sometimes we really overthink stuff. One thing I know people could overthink, and talk themselves out of very quickly, is being a homestay parent. When I share that I am a homestay parent, as well as a parent to my own 4 kids, people are amazed and I am almost always met with the following comments or questions…