How to Make Sharing a Room Easier for Children?
As the cost of living accelerates, more families have downsized their homes to save money. More siblings are sharing a room together and navigating the challenges that come with it. From bonding to problem-solving, sharing a room can be tricky when you’re growing up, especially when teenage hormones get involved.
In the blog post, we dive into how to make sharing a room easier for children so you can have a peaceful and happy home.
Choosing the Right Room Configuration
The right layout is the backbone of a functional shared room. It needs to provide enough space for each child while also acknowledging their different requirements. For example, if one child is already in school, they will need a desk in the room to do their homework. Integrating fitted wardrobes can also optimise the space and ensure they both have a place for all their belongings. Their beds should be positioned to give them privacy and a sense of autonomy. Bunk beds are a great space saver and give each child their own little area.
Set Clear Boundaries
Every shared room needs rules to stop conflicts between the two kids. Even if you have small children, these rules need to be discussed amongst the family so you can find a good compromise. Ask your kids what they need out of their room, and if there have been arguments lately, get to the route of what’s going on. If everyone has a say in the guidelines set, they are more likely to follow them.
Mark Individual Spaces Within the Room
Each child needs an area that is just theirs. They need room for sleep, study and play, along with storage space for their possessions. If you don’t have space for two beds, two desks and some free space, then you may have to get creative with the rest of the home. For example, you could use the kitchen table as their study space so they have a larger area to play in their room.
Consider Each Child’s Schedule
It’s important that the shared room respects each child’s schedule, from sleeping to studying. It becomes tricky if one child goes to bed much later than the other or one has exams coming up and the other doesn’t. Start teaching your children effective communication and conflict-resolution skills to help them navigate these problems together. Of course, their age will determine this, and younger children may need more input from you as a parent.
Always approach each child with empathy about their shared room and encourage them to do the same for each other. Sharing a room is difficult, and that needs to be acknowledged.
