It’s important for every child to have the right framework and living conditions to develop
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has issued guidance to parents concerning what age their children can share a bedroom.
For some families, room-sharing is a choice to help siblings bond and support one another. For others, it’s a necessity.
Whatever your family’s situation, knowing the pros and cons of this arrangement and identifying when the time is right for siblings to connect in this way is a crucial element of parenting more than one child.
So, lets begin with the pros and cons of this common juncture.
Many families find their children enjoy sharing a room because:
- It’s the best way to use the space they have available.
- Siblings or step-siblings enjoy one another’s company and want to share.
- Fun arrangements like bunk beds can be exciting for children.
However:
- Some children may resent not having their own space.
- A child may feel uncertain if the sharing is happening because of a wider change they’re unsure of (eg blending families).
- You may have worries about overcrowding and the support you’re entitled to.
Considering the arguments in both directions seem balanced, the country’s leading children’s charity has outlined a number of questions parents can ask themselves to consider if the time is right.
- Do your children get on well?
- What’s their relationship like?
- What is the age gap between your children?
- Will different bedtimes and morning schedules stop children getting their rest?
- How big is the room?
- Will there be enough storage and space for two or more children to be comfortable?
The most important thing to do after you come to a decision is to communicate the change to your children before it comes into place.
For example, if you have an older child and you plan on having them share with a toddler, let them know what to expect.
Allow them some time to adapt if possible. You could try arranging sleepovers first to give them a chance to get used to the new arrangements.
Next on the list is to set some room rules.
These can range from designated storage spaces for each child, putting time-limits on playtime and arranging visitation periods for when friends come round.
Another option to consider is decorating the room in a 50/50 fashion, so that each child feels like they have their own space.
There might be ways of creating some privacy with a screen or curtain rail.
Check out Pinterest for ideas around how bedrooms can be set up to accommodate different needs.
Perhaps the biggest stumbling block a lot of parents face when it comes to room-sharing is differing bedtimes.
Putting children to bed at the same time, for example, can mean that they stay up later than you planned.
It can be helpful to factor in some ‘settling down’ time when deciding on a bedtime for both kids.
If one child is younger, consider setting them an earlier bedtime to make sure they’re getting enough rest.
The age siblings can happily share a bedroom will be different for every family and depend on your children’s needs and personalities.
As children grow up, they might want more privacy and need their own space.
The NSPCC recommends that children over the age of 10 should have their own bedrooms – even if they’re siblings or step-siblings.
We know this isn’t always possible. If your children share, try to have regular conversations with them about how they’re feeling and allow for them to have private time.
To ensure you comply with overcrowding rules as per the Housing Act, 1985, click here.
If you feel as though you need more help and support, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.