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I totally agree with the prior advice posted about getting down and greeting little ones on their level. Similarly, I talk to teens like they are adults - don't talk down to them.
Show them around the house. Show them where they will sleep and give them a place to put their things.
Food - I almost always have macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, peanut butter and jelly and ice cream - Kids will always say yes to at least one.
I have two dogs and a cat - so introductions to the animals are usually the first thing that I do. One of my dogs was adopted from a rescue group after six weeks in doggie foster care so for kids who are about 3-8 years old I always introduce her and tell them a little about her history. I tell them that she knows what it is like to be in a new house with new people and if they want a hug from someone who has been in the same situation, they can hug the dog. The dog loves kids and is very gentle and patient. Gentle dogs can be very comforting to kids.
With older kids, I do try to set ground rules. With teens I start with things that are positive and that they are allowed to do: You are welcome to help yourself if your are hungry (if appropriate) you don't need to ask to get water/juice/milk. You are welcome to watch whatever TV you would like after my son goes to bed at 8:00 until 11:00 p.m. I also try to keep my rules simple - big five: No weapons, No Drugs, No alcohol, No harm to people or pets, No porn. I actually throw in the porn rule, not that a lot of teens would, but because it makes them laugh that I said it to them and then they think that my rules seem reasonable and it breaks the ice.
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