I want to be left alone.

Factors to consider when sharing a children's room

Age difference:

A key factor for the success and meaningfulness of a shared sibling room is the age gap. If it is too large – about four years or more – the children's interests are often too different for them to benefit from each other. Daily routines are usually too different as well. If the age gap is too small – e.g. only one year – this can lead to rivalry between the children. In the long term, a shared room often works with a moderate age difference. Then the children can play together and, if desired, still sufficiently keep their distance from each other.

Room size:

A small room that offers little space for beds and wardrobes is not ideal when siblings are to share a children's room. It's best to ensure that the room can be arranged with room dividers or similar so that each child has their own area. In any case, two separate beds should be able to be set up.

Personality type:

Some children enjoy having their sibling around and sharing a room with them. Others often need time to themselves and can only thrive and develop with sufficient space. So take your children's personalities into account and take it seriously if they resist sharing a room.

How long can siblings share a children's room?

In addition to factors such as age difference, room size and personality type, above allthe age of the children plays an important rolein whether a shared sibling room proves to be sensible. Depending on their age, children have different needs that you as parents should consider.

• Babies and toddlers:

  In the first six years of life, a shared children's room has the advantage that the little ones always have a playmate nearby.They learn to play together, resolve conflicts, and be considerate.

• Primary school age:

  Although siblings in primary school age canlearn together and help each other, however they needmore personal space and opportunities to retreat due to increasing performance pressure. Often children develop differently and find different friends and interests.

• Pre-puberty:

  Between the ages of 11 and 14, hormones begin to have an influence on children. Irritable behavior is common in many families and often leads to conflicts. In many cases, having separate rooms is the saving solution to maintain family peace. In some families, however, the children also get along well at this age. The insecurity that comes with switching to secondary school can be alleviated by a sibling room.

• Puberty:

  With puberty, children enter a phase of self-discovery and much changes psychologically and emotionally. This not only means that adolescents are often easily irritable. Above all they now needthe ability to retreat. Also considering the discovery of sexuality,children should, at the latest, have their own space.

How to make a sibling room work – tips for arranging it

The living conditions do not always allow each child to have their own room. If only one room is available or siblings should share a room in the first years of life, you should make sure that the room is designed so thateach child still has an opportunity to withdraw. There are different options for dividing the space:

• If the room is large enough and has windows on multiple sides, you could consider installing a lightweight partition wall. However, this also requires an additional door.

• An open shelf as a room divider provides additionalstorage spaceforbooksortoysand at the same time ensures that light can pass through.

• A lightweight or opaque curtain at the bed separates the sleeping areas and provides privacy. If desired, the children can draw the curtain.

By the way: It's not only sensible to use room dividers in sibling rooms. Even in a children's room with just one child, it makes sense, for example, to separate sleeping and learning areas. This gives the room structure and calm.

Image credits

Girl sitting in front of a laptop and another girl sitting on the windowsill © Halfpoint - stock.adobe.com