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Original poster

My 12 year old has to share a room with my 6 year old

9 replies

Mastmw7g · 17/12/2023 18:44

My 20 year old has been living elsewhere but is moving in with us. This means my 6 year old has to give up his room and instead share with his 12 year old brother. Does anyone have tips or advice to make the transition more successful?

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 17/12/2023 18:50

First thought, it might be more appropriate for the 12yo and 20yo to share than the 6 and 12yo, but you don’t mention sex.

Xmasisoffsantahascovid · 17/12/2023 18:52

Look on Pinterest for bunk bed ideas which effectively half the room...

Original poster
Mastmw7g · 17/12/2023 18:52

My 20 year old is a young woman, whereas the 12 year old and 6 year old are both boys.

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PivotPivotmakingmargaritas · 17/12/2023 18:54

Try and divide the room using an ikea bookcase / display cabinet if they want their own space.

I’d also be questioning the long term plans of the 20 year old - when do they plan to move out as I’m sure an eventual 15 year old wouldn’t want to share

Longma · 17/12/2023 19:07

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This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines. at the request of it's author.

Original poster
Mastmw7g · 17/12/2023 19:12

@Longma Did anything make it easier? The room has a bunk bed, computer desk, and shelves. I did suggest to my 12 year old that he put anything high up that he doesn't want his little brother to touch.

OP posts:
ArchetypalBusyMum · 17/12/2023 19:20

Talk to both brothers about successful sharing. Respect, privacy etc there is no age too young to introduce the concepts too. My kids share and I have had an ongoing conversation on how I'd physical separation isn't possible that the two corner stones of amicable habitation have to be given through other means.
This means that either of them can request the other give them a few minutes to get dressed, or turn away, or the one who leaves the house first gets first use of floor space and wardrobe on walking etc
So, though they share a room which is tiny... They have habits which give space/privacy when space is needed... That happened because I coached them through those moments of friction which occur when someone is doing something you don't like/is inappropriate in that moment, but you don't know how to handle it.

HerMammy · 17/12/2023 19:29

Millions of kids have to share rooms, don't make a fuss try and find ways to make it fun and positive.

Mummof2boys · 08/07/2025 17:14

I feel your pain I have a 12 year old and a one year old and the can’t share a room also in a small two be flat

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