The Benefits of Siblings Sharing a Room

Back when we purchased our first (and current home), I was only a momma to a toddler. At the time, I thought our 3 bedroom / 2 bath home would be perfect for our needs and would be able to accommodate a growing family. Once we found out we were pregnant with #2, all of our bedrooms became filled. Then 5 years later, baby boy #3 was on his way. One of my first thoughts was, where are we going to put him?

Growing up, I never had to share a bedroom. My sisters and I were so spread apart in age, we never had to. So the thought of two of my boys sharing a room had me a bit worried. Would the 8-year-old and 5-year-old share a room? Or have my 5-year-old share a bedroom with the newborn? And more than anything, will this be a disaster?

My husband and I decided to have the two older boys share a room since they were on the same schedule with school. It just made sense. We are now 3 years into sharing a room and it has had its ups and downs, that’s for sure. We have no intention of moving any time soon, so for the foreseeable future, room sharing will happen. I’ve learned quite a few things and am happy to share it below.

Yours, Mine, and Ours

Sharing a room can cause lots of fights over space and most importantly in this stage of my young sons’ life, toys. They have now learned to share just about everything. They have specific sides in the closet, drawers and even sides of the room. One of the perks of them sharing a room is seeing them share more, which is a win.

Security

Whenever one of them sleeps out, the other always grumbles at bedtime that they don’t like sleeping alone. As much as my boys can fight, it’s nice to know that they find security with each other. Neither of them wakes up at night; it’s a great partnership.

Schedule

Having the boys share a room really helps with keeping a routine and bedtime. Even though they are 3 years apart and are starting to have different bedtimes, we still mostly stick to the same time for lights out. My oldest will lay in bed with a book light and read if he isn’t quite ready for bed. And let’s talk about school mornings; them sharing a room makes it so easy for my husband and me! The alarm goes off, they both get up and get dressed and head to the kitchen. No fighting them to wake up, it’s flawless.

Bond

Togetherness. I would be lying if I said it was always perfect. However, I love to know that they are building a bond by just being together. Whether it’s listening to songs together, watching a show or just playing cards, they are doing it together. Whenever my boys start to fight and gang up against each other, I always tell them that their power together is powerful and it’s better to be on the same team than against.

So tell me New Orleans Moms, do your kids share a room? How is it going? Is it working out or is it a disaster? Let us know!

Mary Olivio
Mary is a caffeine addicted boy mom to Noah, Liam and Luke. This “stay at home” mom can typically been found cruising in her minivan, jamming to Beyonce with a Starbucks in hand on her way to carpool or after school activities. Mary has been married to her high school sweetheart since 2007. She is a founder of Delivering Hope NOLA and the Vanessa Wolff Scholarship Fund at her Alma Mater. Mary is passionate in the local preemie community and has been heavily involved with the March of Dimes since her sons Liam and Luke were born premature.

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