Should Your Kids Have Their Own Rooms or Share One with Their Siblings?

Should Your Kids Have Their Own Rooms or Share One with Their Siblings?

There is a growing debate among parents of young children: Should they provide separate rooms for each of their kids, or should they share a room among themselves? How old should they have their own bedrooms? Can they stay with Mommy and Daddy the first few years of their lives? Although more parents buy bigger houses today in the hope of providing separate rooms for their kids, there’s also a growing trend where parents believe that their kids need to learn how to share a room.

If you have limited space, you can redesign your staircase to make a second-story addition to your home possible. There’s no need to purchase the lot next to you to expand your home. You can simply add a couple or more rooms on the second floor, and all will be well. The investment is huge, but think about this: There’s a very good chance that your kids won’t leave the house until they’re in college. You probably need this investment anyway.

Separate Rooms

There are two very important reasons your kids need their own rooms: One, it is mandated by the law; and two, they need to be mentally adjusted to a life that’s not dependent on their parents. In most Western countries, once a child reaches the age of 10, they are not allowed to share a room with their siblings. If one of your children is 10, they cannot share a room with anyone else below 10.

They need to develop a sense of independence and self-reliance. Allowing your child to have their own room means that they need to be responsible for how organized and orderly the room is. Children who are also undergoing puberty will benefit from having their own space. They can develop their own identities. Of course, everyone needs privacy. Children shouldn’t be forced to dress and undress before their siblings. This might make them self-conscious. When they have friends over, they can bond more when your child has their own room.

Sharing Bedrooms

two kids having pillow fight on the bed

Then again, some parents prefer to have their kids share a room. Whether it’s for practical reasons, sharing rooms with siblings has lots of benefits. It teaches them how to share a room, compromise, and develop a sense of closeness with their siblings. Children who grow up sharing a room with their siblings know how to respect the privacy of another. They know that they need to clean up after themselves and value the belongings of another person.

They are also more communicative. They bond with their siblings more than those with their own bedrooms do. They talk about things they couldn’t share with their parents. Their bedroom is like their own little world where they can be whoever they want to be.

Before deciding whether to give your children their own rooms or have them share space, look for the signs that they are ready to do so. Ask them if they want to have their own room or if it’s okay with them to share a bedroom with their sister or brother. Your children must have a voice in the household. This gives them a sense of self.

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