If you have multiple children, you may have a few that are sharing a room. Sharing a room helps save money on housing as well as space when it comes to close living quarters. But when should you make sure your kids stop sharing a room?

Generally, siblings should stop sharing a room around the age of 10. This is because children start having more complex needs around this age, such as socialization, navigating puberty, and different bedtime routines. 

Below, we’ll talk about when siblings should stop sharing a room and why this is often the most beneficial situation for the children. We’ll also give you ideas to help your kids stop sharing a room together. 

When Should Siblings Stop Sharing a Room?

You may wonder if same-sex siblings should stop sharing a room at a different time than opposite-sex siblings. 

Generally, all children should be in their own rooms by around age 10, though there can be some exceptions to this if they are of the same sex or alternative living spaces are offered. 

Siblings of Same Sex

If your children are of the same sex, you may be able to extend the time they share a room. Even if they share a room during puberty, it is still recommended that they get rooms of their own while they are teenagers. This will help them learn some independence and individuality while still under your roof.

This will also help if one is in high school and the other is in middle school. Since schools (and students) sometimes have different schedules, having separate rooms will help them stay on their own schedule without being interrupted by their siblings.

Siblings of Opposite Sex

If your children are of the opposite sex, it is better to give them their own rooms sooner rather than later. Boys and girls have very different developmental processes when it comes to puberty, friends, and becoming adults. 

Once puberty hits, your children will likely feel uncomfortable with their opposite-sex sibling sharing a room with them. Because of this, 10 is recommended as the maximum age for siblings to share a room. This will give them enough time to settle into a space of their own as they become teenagers. 

Why Should Siblings Stop Sharing a Room?

There are a few different reasons siblings should stop sharing a room by age 10. 

These include:

  • Different bedtime routines
  • Going through puberty
  • Learning to become independent

If these apply to your home, it’s time for your kids to have their own rooms. 

Different Bedtime Routines

As your kids age, they may eventually have different schedules. This means they may need to go to bed at different times or wake up in the morning at different times. Sharing a room could result in disruption to sleeping as well as irritation between the siblings. Separate rooms can reduce or even eliminate these issues. 

Going Through Puberty

Puberty can be an awkward and uncomfortable period of life, even if we all go through it. As your child’s body develops and they start to discover themselves, they may feel uncomfortable sharing a room with their sibling, especially if that sibling is of the opposite sex. 

Children need safe, private spaces as they deal with these changes. Around 10 is the perfect age to give them their own space to do so. 

Learning to Become Independent

Having separate rooms means your children get to have their own individual spaces. This environment allows them to thrive when it comes to self-identity, individuality, and independence. This is a great opportunity to let your kids choose how to style their rooms and learn to care for their belongings on their own.

How Can I Help My Kids Stop Sharing a Room?

The most obvious way to help your kids stop sharing a room is to provide another room for one of the siblings. This will give them their own space for their belongings and privacy. However, having an extra room isn’t always possible for those with multiple children.

Separate Your Kids’ Rooms

Another option for those without extra rooms in the house is to separate the rooms you already have. You can go all the way and separate them with drywall, or you could simply separate them with something less permanent like curtains or dividers. This will give them their own space without you having to move to a larger home. 

Comfort Your Kids

If your kids are young and are nervous about not sharing a room, you can sit down with them and remind them that their sibling isn’t far away. If they need anything, they can call out for their sibling or parent easily from their new room.

You may also want to provide them with a comforting gift for their new room, such as new bedsheets, a stuffed animal, a nightlight, or other fun decorations. 

Conclusion

Though having enough space to give your kids separate rooms can be a challenge, it’s ultimately best that they stop sharing a room around 10 years of age. This will give them a chance to navigate growing up without the stress of their siblings in their personal space. 

Getting their own rooms also gives siblings a chance to embrace themselves and decorate their rooms to their own preferences, which can help children become more confident and independent. If you’re considering giving your children their own rooms soon, sit down for a talk with them to get the process started more comfortably.