One would often find that brother and sister share a bedroom in smaller homes. Sharing bedrooms is a space adjustment idea and a great way to help siblings bond together. Many think it is not feasible for siblings of the opposite gender to live in the same bedroom. However, sharing a bedroom can be possible until a certain age. Moreover, this adjustment can often prove to be beneficial. Brothers and sisters who share their rooms also learn to share their things, respect each other’s privacy, and adjust to their differences. This post gives you some tips about creating a wonderful experience for brothers and sisters sharing their bedrooms.
Is It Okay For A Brother And Sister To Share A Bedroom?
It is okay for siblings of opposite genders to share a bedroom. A brother and sister may have different interests, and so there will be fewer chances of fights between them over sharing stuff. Living together can strengthen their bond and help them make beautiful memories together. But for older children, especially those approaching puberty, you need to talk with them about understanding and respecting each other’s privacy. They will have to create boundaries specifying their respective private areas of the room. As long as children know their boundaries and are comfortable sharing a room, there should be no problem going ahead with a room-sharing arrangement.
What Is The Ideal Age For A Brother And Sister To Start And Stop Sharing A Bedroom?
There is no age limit for sharing a room between brother and sister. However, they would like to have their own space when they are 10 or 12 years old. The arrangement helps them get closer as siblings. However, siblings with a wide age gap could have frequent conflicts as their schedules of sleeping, studying, and other activities may differ. Also, the older sibling may need more privacy. Sometimes, an older sibling may not enjoy sharing a room with a younger one. In such cases, you may consider some additional arrangements, such as installing a separator in the room. For brothers and sisters with a less age gap, sharing a room might not be a hassle.
10 Ways To Ensure Siblings Share A Bedroom Successfully
Having siblings share a room can be a great idea and a practical solution to situations when space is a constraint. But it can get a little challenging when siblings do not get along. Here are some ways to help your children get comfortable sharing a bedroom.
1. Establish ground rules
Set some ground rules for both the children to follow. Ensure each of them has their personal space and enjoys the personal time. Ask them to respect each other’s space. This way, they will learn to share a space and work within set boundaries.
2. Create personal schedules
Each child may have specific timings to sleep, study, and play. Create a daily schedule for them. It is helpful when they share a toy or a computer device. They can take turns and play the game as per their schedule. It helps them learn the importance of time.
3. Facilitate for white noise
After you fix a sleeping time for your children, ensure that they are in bed by that time. If one child’s sleeping habits such as grinding teeth or snoring disturb the other, play soothing music or an audiobook to help them fall asleep.
4. Separate space for storing personal belongings
To keep your children from fighting over personal belongings, make separate storage spaces. Each should have a different wardrobe that they need to clean and organize at least once a week. It will teach them to be responsible for their things.
5. Allocate separate space for some quiet time
Reserve a separate space or room for quiet activities such as studying, artwork, and meditation. Allow them to indulge in noisy activities such as playing games or learning musical instruments in the living room or any other common area.
6. Inculcate the sharing habit
Along with respecting each other’s privacy, children need to learn the importance of sharing. They should be kind to others and know to value the things they receive. Teach them to take care of things that do not belong to them.
7. Allow individual space decoration
When you have siblings of the opposite gender sharing the room, ensure the room décor is gender-neutral. However, they can decorate their personal spaces such as their bed, study area, and wall as per their choice. Give them space and scope to develop their creativity and promote their interests.
8. Talk with the older child
If the age gap between the siblings is quite a few years, talk to the older child about the arrangement. They might not be ready to share the room for privacy or because of the younger one’s disturbance. You need to explain how the room sharing arrangement is important for their growth and ask them to be a little more adjusting and accommodative of their younger sibling.
9. Make room adjustments
If your children tend to fight, place a room separator between their beds and let them have individual furniture, a computer, and a shelf. It can be a win-win arrangement.
10. Help resolve conflicts
No matter how well-behaved and cooperative your children are, there will be instances of conflict. During such times, handle the situation patiently. Avoid taking sides and come up with an amicable solution. Ensure that they eventually go to bed peacefully without holding any resentment toward each other.
Check this infographic out to learn about the pros and cons of sibling-shared rooms and some creative decorating ideas to make the sharing easier.
