When kids have to share a room, breaking the news to them can be a bit tricky. They might be OK with it, they might be a bit grumpy about having to share the space, but sometimes they start crying and shouting and hate the idea altogether.
If you’re worried about the latter becoming part of your reality, make use of some shared room design ideas to separate the space equally and perfectly. This way, while your kids might not like having to share, they won’t be able to complain about not having their own space!
Give Them a Storage Box and Bookshelf Each
If the kids each have their own area to put their items, nothing will end up on the wrong side of the room – well, very few times they will anyway! Teach both of the ‘sharees’ that they have their own storage box and bookshelf, why it’s important they use them, and the fact that their siblings’ storage is off limits unless they ask first.
While this may sound like you’re being a bit strict, it actually helps to create a healthy sharing atmosphere you want your kids to indulge in. They know they have a bit of privacy for their possessions, and that it’s against the rules for someone else to dig in without checking if it’s OK.
Print Name Stickers to Put on Their Items
Of course, to prioritise harmonious sharing between your kids, you don’t want to divide the room between them. This can lead to endless arguments over whose side is whose, and whenever they get annoyed with each other, they’re likely going to cross this boundary.
However, you can still give them an element of control over this shared space through ownership of their own items. These items will include their toys, books, craft supplies, clothes, and even their bed.
To do this in an easy and child friendly way, print off some unique stickers featuring their name or have them design a little picture to put on them.
Let Them Design a Wall Each
A room has four walls. Decorate two naturally, and then let your kids decorate the other two. Give them a wall each, give them some paint, collage materials, glue and brushes, and then let them get creative. Don’t mind if the walls end up messy!
This way they both get a say in how the room looks, and they get to have fun decorating an equal portion of the room they sleep, play, and do their homework in. These walls will mean a lot to them as they get used to sharing, and in the end, they’ll remind your kids that the space is theirs, rather than an area that’s rightfully one or the other’s.
If your kids need to share a room, don’t panic! You can make this easier on everyone involved by designing the room just right. Get creative, set some rules, and encourage a positive atmosphere over sharing the space.
Fraser’s Fun House 