Should Siblings Share (a bedroom that is)?

Should Siblings Share (a bedroom that is)?

The idea of young siblings sharing a bedroom often sparks a lively debate among parents. On one hand, it is a handy space saver that can bring your kids closer and teach them the valuable life lesson of consideration for others. On the other hand, it can also lead to daily screaming arguments, a complete lack of privacy, and potentially a line of masking tape down the centre of the room. So, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the sibling share.

Pros

1. Live in playmate

One of the biggest perks of siblings sharing a room is that they always have someone to play and chat with. Imagine this: your kids are up at the crack of dawn, ready to seize the day with their boundless energy. Instead of waking you up, they turn to each other for entertainment. Pretty sweet deal.

2. Life lessons

Sharing a space means learning to compromise and cooperate, something that they will be grateful for once they are old enough to move into a share house, or forced into an open office situation. They will quickly discover the importance of taking turns, sharing toys, and each other’s boundaries. The easiest way to do this is to share a room when they’re not too used to having their own space.

3. Bonding

There’s something adorable about siblings whispering secrets to each other after the lights go out. Sharing a room can create a strong sense of camaraderie and deepen their bond. Those late-night giggles will create memories that will last a lifetime.

4. Space and Cost Efficiency

Let’s face it, housing isn’t cheap. By having your kids share a bedroom, you can save on space and potentially use the extra room for a home office, guest room…. escape room, whatever you like.

Cons

1. Lack of Privacy

One of the most obvious downsides is the lack of privacy. This one really can depend on the age and personality of the children. Some kids just need more personal space and alone time. Sharing a room can make it feel like they have nowhere to go when they need sanctuary.

2. Fight club

No matter how well siblings get along, they are going to fight at some point. Disagreements over toys, turning lights on or off or who gets the top bunk are inevitable, but sometimes personalities clash to the point where the whole family is affected. That’s no fun for anyone.

3. Schedules

As kids grow older, their schedules and routines might diverge. One might be an early bird, while the other is a night owl, cue the ‘light on light off’ argument. If they haven’t embraced the ‘consideration for others’ thing, this can turn unfun pretty quickly.

4. Distraction Central

It doesn’t take much for a child to become distracted at the best of times and having a roommate can be a major distraction. Especially during homework time.

The Verdict

While there are clear pros and cons to young siblings sharing a bedroom, it ultimately depends on your family’s dynamics. Some kids absolutely thrive in a shared environment, while it might be another child’s worst nightmare. So as always, do what you think is the best for your kids and your family. Happy room sharing (or not)!