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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want to give up Narnia?

374 replies

dobermeister · 21/03/2023 10:48

When DD was a toddler I created a Narnia in her room. Basically there was an adjoining room from her bedroom, I removed the door, put a wardrobe on either side, and made the other room into Narnia. It has snowy woodland painted on all the walls, a bookcase, cushions on the floor and is basically a “snug”. DD adores in still and is always in there.

DH now wants to get rid of Narnia and turn it into a storeroom for DDs stuff. This is totally unnecessary as we have 3 other spare bedrooms as well as a cellar.

DD wants to keep Narnia. DH thinks it’s babyish and a waste of space as her bedroom is already a big room.

His issue is that his kids don’t have stuff like this at their mum’s house but that’s not mine or DDs fault is it?!

What do you think?

OP posts:
Mochudubh · 21/03/2023 12:06

I'd say it's totally up to your DD if she wants to keep it. How their room is decorated is one of the few things most kids have any real input over.

My DC has a built in double cupboard in their room. I painted the doors to look like the TARDIS when DC was about 9 (it's not bigger decorated on the inside). I asked a couple of years ago if they wanted it painted over and they said no (now in early 20s).

FiloPasty · 21/03/2023 12:06

#teamnarnia I totally want one now

PolkaDotMankini · 21/03/2023 12:07

Definitely keep it. From your description, I can't understand why it's even in question!

OneTC · 21/03/2023 12:07

Pics required.

Sounds amazing

TheNoodlesIncident · 21/03/2023 12:08

Isn't the time to redecorate it when your DD is bored with it..? I don't see the point in removing something she's still getting joy from, no matter what her age.

Does it have one of those old style street lamps for lighting, the ones you see people put on their driveways/front gardens?

ErrolTheDragon · 21/03/2023 12:11

Are people seriously expecting the OP to post photos of her DDs unique secret room on the internet? FGS don't do that, OP.

Surely everyone who appreciates a Narnia has an imagination, use it!

Bookist · 21/03/2023 12:11

He wants to remove the evidence that you're a much better, more invested, more engaged parent than he is.

oakleaffy · 21/03/2023 12:12

@dobermeister I spent so much of my childhood wishing for ''Magical portals'', like the Wardrobe in ''The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'', then ''The Dark Corner'' of the stable in 'Silver Snaffles'...Keep the Narnian room as it is.

ClaireEclair · 21/03/2023 12:12

I would love that as an adult! It’s not babyish at all. Go on Pinterest and you’ll probably see something similar that adults use.

Luckyluv · 21/03/2023 12:12

How about adding shelves/cupboards high up - but leave the ground floor space free so she can still use it as a snug?

You could put the shelving high enough up that when you come to install a desk in there, the shelves can be used for books and files etc

Phoebo · 21/03/2023 12:13

That sounds so amazing! Don't give it up until you really have to

GoodChat · 21/03/2023 12:13

Luckyluv · 21/03/2023 12:12

How about adding shelves/cupboards high up - but leave the ground floor space free so she can still use it as a snug?

You could put the shelving high enough up that when you come to install a desk in there, the shelves can be used for books and files etc

But they don't need the storage space

Dodgeitornot · 21/03/2023 12:14

Can't Narnia be her study room? Sounds amazing. I don't understand his reasoning, it's obviously more than just the Narnia room that's the problem.

Cornchip · 21/03/2023 12:15

Agree with PPs, it sounds incredible. Never change it. It has so much potential as well. Study room, dressing room… I’d love to be able to do this for my kids!

Don't let him ruin something that your child will look back on and reminisce about. This is one of those “magical” childhood moments and it should age and grow with her. Not be taken away.

RobertsRadio · 21/03/2023 12:15

Bookist · 21/03/2023 12:11

He wants to remove the evidence that you're a much better, more invested, more engaged parent than he is.

@Bookist has nailed it.

FurAndFeathers · 21/03/2023 12:15

Bandanadrama · 21/03/2023 10:50

Depends how old she is.

At what age are you suggesting it’s acceptable for a step parent to remove a stepchild’s beloved snug room and dictate she must use it as storage (that she doesn’t want or need) instead?

TaunterOfWomenInGeneralSaysSayonarastu · 21/03/2023 12:17

DH is a killjoy.

His issue is that his kids don’t have stuff like this at their mum’s house

DH is a jealous, immature killjoy.

Newhousewhodis · 21/03/2023 12:17

lazycats · 21/03/2023 11:58

Because if they're in their late teens as opposed to, say, 5 then yeah, I don't think the DH is being that outrageous. I get that this is MN and the DH is usually wrong but more context to posts is always a good thing regardless.

Show quote history

You haven’t answered the question as to why, though. If she likes it and they have plenty of room, then why is it pertinent if she’s five or a teenager? Teenagers aren’t allowed to enjoy Narnia?

takeawayandwine · 21/03/2023 12:17

spangleswereace · 21/03/2023 10:53

That sounds amazing, absolutely keep it!!
And to the poster who said it depends what age she is, how is that relevant in any way?! If she loves it, keep it!

She might be 35 though 😂

MahMahMahMahCorona · 21/03/2023 12:18

How old is she.

MargotMoon · 21/03/2023 12:18

I'd get rid of DH before I got rid of Narnia!

viques · 21/03/2023 12:19

And if you don’t sell, imagine how wonderful Narnia will be for visiting grandchildren in the future.

GoldenCupidon · 21/03/2023 12:19

His kids not having stuff like that at their mum's house is her business. All the kids could have nice rooms at yours, that's his business, but he's choosing not to do it. In his world apparently only women can create fun and beautiful things for their children.

I think if his kids are older you (I mean he) could give them a budget to personalise their rooms - say £100 each - and that would make it feel less lopsided at yours.

TaunterOfWomenInGeneralSaysSayonarastu · 21/03/2023 12:19

dobermeister · 21/03/2023 11:02

Exactly! When I told him to decorate their rooms he said it just looks like we’re showing off!?

Show quote history

😂😂😂

"I can't be arsed to do any work toward giving my kids similar, but I will happily destroy your amazing handiwork & upset your child, just to make a point."

He sounds like a right nasty bastard OP.

HashtagShitShop · 21/03/2023 12:20

My 3yr old nephew has a massive moon and stars mural. I'm approaching 40 and very jealous.

I'm even more jealous of narnia! His children at late teens are probably too old to even care, especially as they barely ever come over (probably because he sounds like he's not even that bothered in spending time with them/doing things for them given that he didn't decorate their rooms to make them welcome.... I guess he's feeling guilty and his answer is to ruin things for a small child. What a man. )