Four children 1-14 years sharing room

[Parques]

AIBU to think it's ridiculous and irresponsible that 4 children (same sex - male) aged from 1-14 are sharing a bedroom? There is a fifth child - a girl - who has her own room. There are no funds to extend/loft conversion etc. The children were all planned. No multiple births.

I don't quite get this "space to study" argument.
I did my homework either sat at the kitchen table or sat on my bed. How much space do you need?

No separate space to study. One bed, one bunk bed and 18 month old in a cot. No further space!

Context needed. How big is the room? Can the kids get a decent night’s sleep? Is this about someone applying for a larger council/ social housing property? Have the parents considered using the lounge as a bedroom, freeing up another room upstairs for 2 of the 4 boys?

Not ideal of course but a large portion of the world probably lives in “worse” conditions. As long as they are fed, warm, clean and loved then I can’t get too worked up about it TBH.

And I’m also not quite sure what you’re suggesting as an alternative, other than going back in time and not having the kids (usually the way these threads go). Or (see above) a council magicking up a bigger property which it doesn’t have?

Exactly! Ridiculous!

Also remember that the older kids can study in a library or other communal space (some schools offer access out of hours etc) too.

Completely agree. Absolutely no privacy/personal space

What is the option for change?

And its your business how? How is it irresponsible?

It is the sheer number sharing, not sharing per se. I shared with a sibling when I was younger. But not 3 siblings in an average sized bedroom

I'd put the 1yo in with parents, tbh, but lots of children have to share. It's not the end of the world.

Yes it has but let's not pretend that these parents were magically spirited into this situation. It was a conscious choice

No opition to change. One average salary. Shift work - thus no option for parents to sleep downstairs etc. and free up a bedroom

Not something I'd ever have wanted for my kids, but exactly how is this any of your business?

It's not ideal. I didn't have my own room till I was 16. But ridiculous and irresponsible??? Absolutely not. There are far far worse things in many childhoods that really are ridiculous and/or irresponsible.

This sounds grim OP for all the kids. Its massively overcrowded its like in the old days when 4 or 5 had to share a room when people had huge families. Its selfish of the parents and will effect the children. I think its neglect. Sharing a room with a one year old will mean they don't get enough sleep.

Perhaps let’s give them the benefit of the doubt until we know the full facts? What about if they had twins, a couple of unexpected pregnancies at different times, were expecting to be able to buy a bigger house but then couldn’t, if a step sibling had to move in etc. Or various other things- we’ve all got an imagination and no one knows anyone else’s true circumstances.

It's a mortgaged house. Not social housing. I cannot get my head around the fact the couple decided to have 5 children in a totally inadequate environment.

I guess it isn't ideal, but there are far far worse things a child could be facing.if they are full siblings it us a lot better too

Exactly!

I always feel sorry for kids especially teens who don't have their own room. I think it's really important to have a space where you can just be without anyone else around.

As I did. But not 4 of us sharing one bedroom!

What don't you get about needing somewhere quiet away from noisy toddlers?

My kids share a bedroom. It is what it is and was the norm until fairly recently.

Find it hard to get worked up about it.

I have no idea. Completely selfish and irresponsible! I completely agree with you

I agree, especially as the 14yo is at a tricky age and could do with privacy, and quiet time for homework etc. Having more kids than you have room for, is always a choice.

Don your hardhat tho!