JUST as every family is different, there are differences in living arrangements among individual groups of relatives.

Different families have their own routines, habits and ways of doing things, whether these are out of choice or down to necessity.

These will include sleeping arrangements, and more specifically what children, if any, share a bedroom with one or more of their siblings.

According to children’s charity the NSPCC, lots of families find their children like sharing a room because siblings or step-siblings want to, arrangements like bunk beds can be exciting for children or it’s the best way to use the space they have on offer.

However, the charity added that some kids may resent not having their own space and that children may feel unsure if the sharing is due to a wider change they’re uncertain of (such as blending families) - plus you may have concerns about overcrowding and the support you’re entitled to receive.

The right age for siblings to share a bedroom

The NSPCC explained that when a child is sleeping comfortably through the night, it might work best for your family if they share a room with a sibling.

“The age siblings can happily share a bedroom will be different for every family and depend on your children’s needs and personalities,” a spokesperson for the organisation said.

“As children grow up, they might want more privacy and need their own space.

“It's recommended that children over the age of 10 should have their own bedrooms - even if they're siblings or step-siblings.

“We know this isn't always possible.

“If your children share, try to have regular conversations with them about how they're feeling and allow for them to have private time.”

Advice on children sharing rooms

According to the NSPCC, questions to consider if you’re trying to decide whether it’s a good idea for kids to share a room are:

  • Do your children get on well?
  • What's their relationship like?
  • What is the age gap between your children?
  • Will different bedtimes and morning schedules stop children getting their rest?
  • How big is the room?
  • Will there be enough storage and space for two or more children to be comfortable?

“Talk to your child to prepare them for any changes or new routines,” the NSPCC spokesperson said.

“For example, if they're an older child that’s going to be sharing with a toddler, let them know what to expect.

“Allow them some time to adapt if possible. You could try arranging sleepovers first to give them a chance to get used to the new arrangements.”

You should also agree some rules for the shared room.

According to the NSPCC spokesperson, things to consider include whether the children can play together without supervision, whether they get up and go to bed at different times and what the rules are when one child has friends round.

Other things to think about include whether there are toys which are off limits or unsuitable for younger children and whether everybody can have their own storage space so it’s clear whose stuff belongs to who.

“You can decorate so everyone feels like they have their own space,” the spokesperson said.

“If the move is recent or unexpected, this can help children get excited about the change.

“There might be ways of creating some privacy with a screen or curtain rail.”

It’s also important to consider bedtimes, the spokesperson added.

“If there's an age gap between the children sharing, think about their current bedtimes and how they sleep,” they said.

“Putting children to bed at the same time can mean that they stay up later than you planned.

“It’s good to factor in some ‘settling down’ time when deciding on a bedtime for both.

“If one child is younger, consider setting them an earlier bedtime to make sure they’re getting enough rest.”

The spokesperson also noted that if your home is owned by a housing association or your council, rules are in place to prevent overcrowding as regards the number of children who can share a room at different ages.

“Your local authority should be able to give you more information and discuss any concerns,” they said.

“If you have a child with a disability, you may be able to claim benefits for their room as well as for a room for a non-resident carer so they can provide overnight care.”

For more information, visit nspcc.org.uk