host family kids
 

So im going to stay with a host family in japan for a month. Sadly, their kids are old and do not live with them. My mom told me to change families, she believes a family with kids my age will improve my language learning. Should i change families or not?

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I belive you don't necessarily need to do that. I think how effectively you learn a language depends not on who you talk to but on how hard you try to communicate with others. Older people tend to be more obstinate than younger people but they know far more things about Japan so if you are willing to take their ways of living and thinking, you will be able to get much more.

In my personal experience, there isn`t really a difference. In fact, having kids of a close age to you might actually work to the opposite. Without kids there, all the time can be dedicated to talking to you. With kids, well, there is likely to be an expectation of you teaching the kids some English... And a lot more conversation that doesn`t include you.

Also, there is nothing saying you`d share any interests or get along with them at all. Imagine living with the exact opposite of someone you`d normally hang out with.

I`ve seen a LOT more homestayers who had a bad experience because they didn`t get along with the kids than the parents...

my sister is going to Japan for a month too ( and stays in host family). but her host family has same old (I think same old or maybe +-1 year) daughter.
I believe same old children makes staying easier, but it really does not make a that big change ^^
Ganbatte on your stay! ^^