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Getting kids to share a room can be tough and it’s likely to cause some problems. But does that mean you should never do it? Some parents would say yes, while others have had good experiences with kids sharing a room.
Photo by Allen Taylor on Unsplash
The truth is, it works for some people and not for others. If you aren’t sure whether your kids should share a room or not, here are some of the pros and cons.
Pro: You Don’t Need A Bigger House
Sharing a room can cut down the cost of housing simply because you don’t need as large a house to accommodate everyone. Having fewer rooms also requires less furniture and your utility bills will be cheaper. So, if you are looking for a new home but you want to keep your budget under control, you should consider having the kids share one room for the time being.
Con: Lack Of Privacy
It can be uncomfortable for some kids to share a room if they are at different developmental levels. Sharing a room with siblings may make it hard for children to have privacy or even personal space, particularly teens who are developing their own personal identity and independence. You can get around this in younger kids by using triple bunks and three tiered sleepers to create privacy and add more space to the room. Dividing the room into distinct areas helps too. However, once they reach their teenage years, kids need more privacy.
Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash
Pro: Stronger Bond Between Siblings
If the kids get along well and want to share a room, it can help them develop a stronger bond. It’s also easier for parents to keep track of each child because they are able to monitor their behavior more closely. All parents want their children to be close and even though they will fight sometimes, sharing a room does create a unique bond that they wouldn’t otherwise have, so it can be good in this way.
Con: Potential Arguments
Letting siblings share a room can create arguments. First, you might have to monitor the kids more closely because they will be closer together and there is less space for privacy. Second, you may find that the kids fight over who gets what section of the room or who gets to do certain things first. Third, if one child bullies another sibling, being in such close quarters makes it easier for the bully to continue tormenting their brother or sister which can have long term negative effects on each child’s psyche. However, with a bit of intervention, you can avoid this problem. It’s important that you set out clear ground rules about how the room is used right away. If there are any arguments, help your kids work on their conflict resolution and come to an agreement. As long as you can nip it in the bud early on, you should be fine.
Even though there are challenges, siblings sharing a room can work as long as you approach the situation in the right way.
Post Contribute By Robert Banks
Cover Photo by Allen Taylor on Unsplash
