Siblings Sharing a Bedroom
My children have to share a room, and they fight about the way the space is divided. How can I keep the peace?
If it's any comfort, despite the current battles, the memories of sharing a room with her sister will probably be much sweeter and funnier when your kids are grown. In the meantime, here are some practical suggestions:
First, make sure each child has some space that is her own and can't be invaded without permission. Each one's bed is her own "territory." One can't flop on the other's bed unless invited.
Even if they share a dresser, give each child her own drawer(s) that can't be opened by the. It's a place where she can keep things that are important to her and they can't be borrowed or taken without express approval.
Let each child decorate her side of the room, and don't worry if the décor doesn't pass interior-design muster. Better to have each one feel like she can express herself in her choice of comforter and wall posters.
Give each one her own lamp so she can read, even if the other wants to go to sleep. Eyeshades can help if either has trouble sleeping with the light on. Individual sets of headphones mean that neither has to listen to the other's music choices.
You can't change the dimensions of the space, but you can give each child a sense that she has a place to call her own.
First, make sure each child has some space that is her own and can't be invaded without permission. Each one's bed is her own "territory." One can't flop on the other's bed unless invited.
Even if they share a dresser, give each child her own drawer(s) that can't be opened by the. It's a place where she can keep things that are important to her and they can't be borrowed or taken without express approval.
Let each child decorate her side of the room, and don't worry if the décor doesn't pass interior-design muster. Better to have each one feel like she can express herself in her choice of comforter and wall posters.
Give each one her own lamp so she can read, even if the other wants to go to sleep. Eyeshades can help if either has trouble sleeping with the light on. Individual sets of headphones mean that neither has to listen to the other's music choices.
You can't change the dimensions of the space, but you can give each child a sense that she has a place to call her own.
Answered by
Marian Edelman Borden
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