Growing up, I shared a room with my younger brother. Our small home had more bodies than bedrooms, so it was simply unavoidable. With just a year and a half between us, our lives intertwined in numerous ways — from shared friends to similar activities and hand-me-down clothes. For me, sharing a room was just another aspect of life that connected me to my brother, and not always in the best way.
As kids, we often drew imaginary lines down the center of our room, claiming our territories, including dresser drawers and closet space. But like most childhood agreements, these boundaries rarely lasted long. When one of us ran out of clean socks, a truce would be called as we crossed into enemy territory. My brother’s late-night chatter kept me awake, and as a teenager, I found it frustrating when he would eavesdrop on my phone calls. I craved my own space and independence. Back then, I swore that when I had children, I would ensure they each had their own room.
Fast forward two decades, and I am completely on board with #TeamShareARoom. Despite having the option for separate rooms, my two kids share a bedroom, and I believe it’s the right choice for several reasons:
- They Learn to Share Space
Throughout their lives, they will inevitably share spaces with others — be it a college roommate, a partner, or a colleague. By sharing a room, they’re gaining valuable experience in navigating the challenges of cohabitation. I like to think I’m preparing them for future encounters — whether it’s a coworker who leaves leftovers in the fridge for too long or a partner who can’t quite make it to the laundry basket. - They Create Lasting Memories
Sure, some of those memories may involve me yelling up the stairs to “GO TO SLEEP!”, but they’ll still be memories. Ideally, they’ll also remember late-night talks or helping each other with schoolwork. But let’s be real, the reality might be a mix of chaos and cherished moments. - It Fosters Connection
With my kids being 3.5 years apart, their lives don’t overlap as closely as mine did with my brother. However, sharing a room has already helped them bond. Even on days filled with sibling bickering, I often hear them laughing and whispering about inside jokes when it’s time for bed. My younger son has confided in his older brother about school troubles, and the older one shares interesting tidbits from his history class. They turn to each other for comfort, which I appreciate, especially when I’m too worn out for bedtime antics. - They Learn That Bigger Isn’t Always Better
As a minimalist, I find extra clutter overwhelming. Society has developed an obsession with bigger being better, yet this isn’t always beneficial. By sharing a room, my kids are learning to occupy less space and understand that relationships hold more value than material possessions.
For the past five years, my kids have shared their bedroom, and despite the occasional complaint, it’s been one of my best parenting decisions. It took some persuading to get my husband on board — he didn’t share a room growing up — but he now agrees it’s been a positive move. As our oldest approaches his teenage years, things might get trickier, but I believe the benefits of sharing a room far outweigh the downsides. Sorry, kids, but you’ll be sharing for a while longer, whether you like it or not. And one day, you’ll probably thank me, even if it’s without words, as you also choose to have your kids share a room too.
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In summary, sharing a room leads to lessons about sharing, creates cherished memories, fosters sibling connections, and teaches that less can be more.
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