Most people don’t stumble into houseparenting randomly. They arrive here after years of caring for others—sometimes in roles like teaching, coaching, youth ministry, childcare, foster care, or social services; other times in volunteer positions or even the important (but unpaid) work of being a parent to their own children.

You may already know what it’s like to:

• Be the steady presence during hard moments
• Balance structure with compassion
• Create routines that help kids feel safe
• Carry responsibility beyond a job description

Houseparenting takes those skills out of institutional settings and places them into a home environment—where consistency, trust, and daily life matter just as much as credentials.

Signs you might be ready—without realizing it

You don’t need to feel “called” in a dramatic sense to be ready for this work. Often, readiness shows up more subtly.

You might be closer than you think if:

• You’re craving work that feels relational, not transactional
• You’re less motivated by titles and more by long-term impact
• You’re comfortable with responsibility that doesn’t clock out at 5 p.m.
• You value teamwork—especially with a spouse or partner—over solo roles
• You want your work to reflect your values, not just your skill set

Houseparenting isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about showing up, day after day, for kids who need adults they can count on.

Why this year may be different

Across the country, residential care organizations are hiring—and many are rethinking how they support and recruit houseparents.

What’s changing:

• More intentional schedules designed to support rest and longevity
• Improved benefits and housing to reduce financial stress
• Stronger training and onboarding for new houseparents
• Clearer expectations around boundaries, time off, and teamwork

For people who may have considered this role in the past but hesitated, the landscape is shifting in meaningful ways. Employers know that this role asks a lot—and many are working harder to give support in return.

You don’t have to have it all figured out

One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming a houseparent is that you need certainty before you explore it.

In reality, most people start by:

• Attending an info session
• Reading about different programs and models
• Talking with current or former houseparents
• Asking honest questions about lifestyle, schedules, and expectations

Exploration doesn’t equal commitment. It just opens the door.

A different kind of career question

So maybe the question isn’t Is this the year I change jobs?

Maybe it’s:
Is this the year I choose work that fits who I’ve become?

Houseparenting isn’t for everyone. But for the people it’s right for, it often feels less like a career move—and more like a natural next step.

If you’re curious, reflective, and open to doing meaningful work that shows up in everyday moments, this might be the year you take a closer look.

And sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin.

If you'd like to explore organizations hiring houseparents, visit our Featured Employers directory. If you're ready to look at open positions, head straight to the job search!