Nice to be together or do they need their own space?
Research shows that familiarity (Zajonc, 1968) and proximity (Festinger, 1950) are two factors in stronger friendships.
But the age, sex and size of the room will also play a part. What age gaps do you think are acceptable to share?
What about age appropriate toys in the room – younger children being kept away from small parts for example.
Does sharing a room help develop the children’s ability to share?
What if they have very different tastes in how they want their room decorated?
What about storage?
Problems may occur if the children have very different sleeping patterns, if there are special needs, if one is a bed-wetter, if one is very young and cries a lot at night, or chronic illness.
However, the companionship may help them settle down to sleep. Lessening the fear of monsters or ghosts – feeling there is someone there with them.
What about time alone? Or to do homework/concentrate?
Do your children share a room? When do you think it is or isn’t okay for children to share? Do you have a bedtime routine? If so do children who share go to bed at the same time or separately?
Our kids shared rooms for years..up until we moved. I feel like sharing a room can be beneficial, as long as each child respects the other’s boundaries.
Great question. I had 5 in one room when they were young, then they split into pairs from around age 5 and their own rooms around age 7, these changes were led by them more than us.
My two boys share a room. There is 2 years and 4 months between them. Now my eldest is at secondary, I would like to move house so they have their own rooms. They are happy together, but the room is very untidy and they blame each other. They go to bed at the same time and keep each other awake until 10. I would like my younger son to be able to go to sleep earlier.
Yes, I like that delicious atmosphere of joy and sharing, exquisite photos …
I have 2 older girls, 2 boys 4/5 years younger and then another girl 4 years younger than the boys. we only ever had 3 bedrooms, and until daughter No3 was about 6 she shared with the 2 boys as nearer in age, but then they started to object so the 3 girls shared a room . 10 years between them, but as long as daughter 3 was allowed to go to bed in peace at about 7.30 by 8 the girls could go in put a light on and watch tv quietly and it would not waken her.
I got my first 3 bed property when the 2 eldest were 3 and 4 on medical grounds as youngest NEVER slept for more than 2 hrs a night and eldest was due to start school, but she was that use to her sisters crying all night she could not sleep in a room of her own and shared anyway.
My daughters don’t share a room. My oldest is 5 and my youngest is 19 months old. I’ve often thought about having them share a room when my youngest learns toileting. We have a 3-bedroom townhouse… so to have a room actually be a dedicated playspace would be awesome.
Ooh we have those Mario stickers in my middle ones room. At the moment my 19 month old is still in with us as he is an appalling sleeper, but long term he will share with his brother!