Sharing A Room Between Siblings?
In those families in which there is more than one child, it is common for the doubt to arise as to whether it is convenient for them to live in the same room. Brotherly complicity and lack of independence are balanced and it is difficult to decide. Here are some tips on what it means to share a room with siblings.
Benefits of sharing a room between siblings
In general, the fact that the brothers share a room is something very positive that can bring them values and important learnings for their lives.
- Strengthen the bond between siblings. Sharing space, laughter, games and confidences brings the little ones closer together and makes it easier for both to grow and experiment together. This, without a doubt, will form a closer and special bond between them that will enrich them affectively.
- Teach to live together. Just being in that situation will naturally boost your capacity for empathy and conflict resolution. Children will learn to respect the space, rhythms and opinions of the other, and will develop their skills to negotiate and assert their points of view. Something that will be of great help to them in their adult life.
- Improves sleep and associated routines. By sharing a room, the time to go to bed becomes much more bearable for the little ones. The accompanied feel will help them sleep more relaxed and calm, without fear. They will also share valuable moments and conversations at bedtime and when they wake up.
- Encourage solidarity between siblings. Sleeping in the same room creates a situation that encourages cooperation rather than individualism. Sharing toys and objects becomes natural and the feeling of team will help reduce jealousy between siblings to a minimum.
Disadvantages of sharing a room between siblings
Of course, and like all situations in life, sharing a room also has certain disadvantages that must be considered.
The transition from one room to another
First of all, and regarding the change of room of the little brother, it is necessary to plan it to avoid problems, as far as possible.
It is recommended that the younger brother not be transferred to the fourth ensemble until he is at least one year old. Otherwise, your sleep rhythms could affect your brother’s rest.
On the other hand, you have to talk to the older brother and explain to him the change that is going to take place and how it will affect him. It is important to highlight the positive aspects and everything related to the company and the complicity that sleeping together will provide.
The older brother must also be allowed certain licenses in order to make the transition more pleasant. Little details like allowing you to choose where in the room to put your bed can help you get involved in the process with enthusiasm.
Less independence
Logically, when sharing a room, there is no own, personal and delimited space for each child. This, to a certain extent, can cause them to lose part of their individual identity.
In addition, it may happen that children become so used to each other’s presence that they become less independent and accuse, to a large extent, the lack of the sibling when this happens. They may find it more difficult to sleep alone at times or entertain themselves.
Interference in the rhythms of life
It can also happen that, on occasions, the waking up or crying of one of the brothers interrupts the rest of the rest. Although generally the little ones get used to it and continue to sleep peacefully.
It is also possible that, if the same space is dedicated to play, study and sleep, the schedules of both brothers are incompatible at certain times. Especially if the age difference between them is great, the older one may need to study while the little one wants to play or sleep.
Conclusions
Taking certain measures can alleviate the disadvantages. An individual space must be provided for each child in the room and the different sleep schedules must be respected, depending on the age of each one.
In addition, it is essential to talk and listen to the opinions of the little ones regarding the matter, in case when approaching preadolescence they decide that they prefer to have more intimacy.
Regardless, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Sharing a room is an enriching and positive experience that you will always remember with great affection.
