@Topgub @DivorcedAndDelighted @FixTheBone
I completely agree with the viewpoints expressed earlier by other users. As a child, I share a similar perspective on the matter:
The distinction between surprising one's parents as a child, which can be traumatic and harmful, and having intimate relations as adult and aware children, is crucial.
I'm nearly 19 years old and find myself in a situation where my mother and stepfather make no secret of their intimacy.
My mother has emphasized the importance of privacy, particularly considering my stepfather's night shifts and the fact that they usually retreat to their room almost every day after lunch.
Therefore, I always aim to give them space and privacy, leaving the house (when possible) or withdrawing to my room with headphones when I realize they want to spend time privately.
I firmly believe that no adult and well-educated child would ever dare to enter their parents' room without knocking, unless it's an extreme necessity.
I find that if you feel the need to take precautions – like using a door lock – to preserve your privacy, it might indicate a lack of respect from your children and confusion between the boundaries of proper upbringing and the unfounded fear of causing trauma, which in my opinion doesn't apply to an adult child.
In the past, I had a similar experience about three years ago, shortly after my parents' wedding. I opened the door without knocking and felt deeply uncomfortable.
I received an appropriate punishment and a reprimand, which taught me a lesson and made me realize how inappropriate it was to invade their privacy.
In conclusion, as my mother says, when a child doesn't want to listen, they are capable of moving away, putting on headphones, or taking other measures. In case their curiosity drives them to cross the boundaries and violate your privacy, it's an aspect that reflects on their choice, not on your conduct.
Personally, I avoid knocking on their door and always prefer to wait for them to come out of their room spontaneously.
If I have to think of a traumatic moment from my childhood, it goes back to the times when I heard my parents argue, even over trivial matters.
Today, I'm happy to see my mother at peace and to breathe love within our home. This has brought an unexpected effect: after years of being an only child, my sister was born.
Recently, they confided in me their desire to give her a younger brother, despite my biological father never wanting more children.
It's clear that I understand how sexual relations are a fundamental component in conception.