If you're buying a new home, there is probably plenty of stress in your life. If you have children – particularly small children – the search for a new home can add another layer to that stress. Finding spur-of-the-moment childcare when you want to view a property isn't always easy, and you might find yourself with kids in tow when you head out to showings with your real estate agent.

Although it might seem daunting to take the kids along, it can also be empowering for them to be included in the search for a new home. Sometimes kids notice things that adults never would – and this can be valuable input when you're making a final determination about which home to buy. By laying a few ground rules and engaging in some up-front organization, you can minimize the inconvenience of having the kids along when you start home shopping.

Plan Ahead

If possible, do as much of your research as possible online before you hit the pavement. Your agent can help you put together a sensible schedule for a day spent house hunting. Make sure that all of the homes you plan to visit match your criteria. There's no sense wasting time on houses without an ample number of bedrooms or homes in an undesirable neighborhood or school district. Prioritize your list, with the most promising properties at the top so that you are sure to see the houses of most interest if you need to call it a day earlier than expected. 

Timing Is Everything

Rely on your agent to book showings around naptimes, meals, and other needs your kids may have. Your agent will also be able to put together a schedule that moves you around in a sensible fashion so that you aren't running back and forth across town or hopping from community to community in a way that involves extra travel. If possible, don't try to cram all the showings into a compressed amount of time – allow yourself plenty of breaks for snacks or stop at a park or playground to let the kids run around.

Bring Provisions

Don't forget to pack a bag of everything you'll need for the day, including diapers, bottles, and baby food for smaller children and snacks and drinks for older kids. Bring along activities to do while traveling from house to house – coloring books and crayons, electronic games, a portable DVD player, or books. And don't forget paper towels and wipes in case of any emergency cleanup.

Lay Down the Law

Before you embark on your search, set some ground rules for behavior when you're visiting houses. Make sure your children understand that they are "guests," and should behave as such. No running, fighting, sitting on furniture, or playing with the home owner's belongings. Keep an eye on your kids and try to engage them in discussion about the pros and cons of each home you visit so that the process will be more interesting for them.

Buying a home is not a decision that you make lightly. It's important for you to feel confident that you are making the best choice when you finally decide to put an offer on a house. Including your kids in your home search doesn't have to be difficult or daunting if you approach the process correctly. Focus on the end of the journey – a new home that your whole family will love.