Friday, December 10, 2010

Sharing a Room

So . . . does anyone have advice on getting your kids to share a room?

We're thinking of putting the girls together in one room once this next baby is born. We actually have another room downstairs that could be used as Elsie's bedroom but we're considering putting them together.

I loved sharing a room with my sister (most of the time - I do remember nights being annoyed when she had a cough! ha ha!) and I want my girls to experience the same. I also think it really teaches children to be considerate and how to share.

Abigail is so loving and nuturing to Elsie (so maybe she'll get up with her at night . . . just kidding) and Elsie is starting to become a better sleeper. Elsie would be in Abigail's old crib (still in Abigail's room) and Abigail would be in her toddler bed or perhaps move up to a twin bed soon.

So any advice . . . horror stories?!

7 comments:

Jennifer said...

We've never had the option of the kids not sharing a room, so we HAD to make it work. And that's what it really comes down to...making it work. There was a time when neither one slept very good and we tried different arrangements (Anna on the couch, on a mattress on the floor in our room) but they were also sharing a bed, too. I think the problem there was them kicking each other in their sleep! Once we got the bunk beds, they both slept a LOT better. I'm sure there will be an adjustment period but I've always been surprised at what they can sleep through (like massive screaming, crying fits!). My advise would be to decide what you want to do and stick with it...it might take some time for them to adjust to it. Good luck!

Unknown said...

I knew you guys would have great advice. I'm still bouncing between starting them out in two separate rooms and when Elsie is a more reliable sleeper moving her down the hall to Abigal's room. The rooms are pretty small so it would be a squeeze to get two beds in. Bunk beds would work! :)

Jennifer said...

Yeah, it was a pretty tight squeeze with 2 beds (even a toddler bed & crib). It's still a tight squeeze with all their stuff!! Their room is like 12x12. And since there's no play room, that's also where all their toys have to be. You make it work :) Anna likes sharing a room when it comes to sleeping, but not so much when she doesn't have her own space to play without brother barging in! I'm sure it's a bit different with two girls.

Unknown said...

The bedroom is a 12x12, I think. However we do have more space with a spare room and basement in order to play. Most of the time Abigail enjoys sharing with Elsie but I'm sure we'll have our moments too!

Amanda @ My Everyday said...

We had to and they have bunk beds at 4 and 2 1/2. They are great at night but things for crazy at nap time and I had to separate them so the little one would actually nap.

AmbyLand said...

I just stumbled across your blog so I hope you wont thinks its weird that a complete stranger is giving you her opinion. My kids share a room they are girl and boy, 2 years and 11 months. The only problem we have is nap time. I let the girl sleep in the living room at nap time so that my boy can sleep.

As a twin I shared my room from conception until we were 21. I am going to let my kids share until my girl is 10. I actually think its important for them to share.

Unknown said...

Yeah, I don't think naps would work but we have enough space to just put one of them somewhere else. That wouldn't be a big deal. However, Elsie goes to bed at 7 pm and Abigail at 9 or 9:30 pm. I'm just waiting to see what they're like in a few months! Elsie just started sleeping through the night!