Having siblings can create some of the best memories and be some of the strongest relationships throughout your adult years. Siblings often find themselves sharing a room. For parents, this can be a bit of a logistical nightmare.
Here are some tips to help you create the perfect shared space for your kids.
Understanding what works for your siblings
The decisions you make regarding room layouts largely depend on the ages of your children. Smaller children and older children will have vastly different needs – teenagers need study space and privacy, whereas primary school-aged kids need storage and play space.
Routines are also important to consider. If one child needs to be awake for school earlier than the other, you will need to find ways they can get ready with minimal disruption.
Selecting the right furniture and layout
When it comes to furniture, work with the space you have. Choosing the right beds for kids allows you to maximise floor space whilst keeping sleep hygiene at the forefront.
Bunk beds are a classic option, especially in smaller rooms. Younger children (and some older ones!) love having bunk beds. One way to minimise arguments about who gets the top bunk is to have a rota and swap often.
If you are working with a larger space, twin beds are a good option to ensure everyone has enough space, though you may find your little ones love jumping on the bed!
Personal space and décor for each child
Children love expressing their creativity, and bedrooms are often ideal for this. Finding ways to personalise their space is key.
Bedding is an easy way to let kids take the reins. Take them shopping and let them pick out their favourite set. This will hopefully help make bedtime easier, too!
Having front-opening picture frames to display their artwork can let budding artists show off their masterpieces. Easy to open, these frames mean you can rotate pieces without taking them off the wall. Hang these next to your kids’ beds and let them feel proud of their work.
Storage, zoning and practical logistics
There is no escaping that kids create a lot of mess, which is why storage is key. If you are using twin beds, look for ones with built-in storage. A wardrobe each would also be ideal for keeping clothes separate – you could even have a section for school uniform to make mornings easier.
Zoning can also help to keep the mess to a minimum. Having designated spaces for reading, play and sleep helps to promote responsibility by tidying as well as allowing each child to choose where to spend their time.
Sharing a room can be tough, but it also can be amazing. Having a home for every item makes tidying easier and helps kids to know their boundaries.