“Love grows best in little houses, with fewer walls to separate. Where you eat and sleep so close together, you can’t help but communicate. And if we had more room between us, think of all we’d miss. Love grows best in houses just like this.”
I remember the first time I told someone my girls would share a bedroom. They looked at me like I had two heads, “How do you think that will go? Can’t you get a bigger place?” I’m sorry, what?
It’s not a foreign concept, siblings sharing their space with one another. It’s a pretty common experience regardless of the size or layout of someone’s home! I have two little girls; they’re two years apart, and they started room-sharing when my youngest was six months old. Prior to this, I moved my oldest into my room, which I was sharing with my youngest at the time. This allowed them to get used to each other’s sleep habits, sounds, and presence.
When it was time to transition them into their own space, they were used to having each other nearby. It was a smooth process, and I believe it’s because they had those few months to adjust to their time together. Now, it’s rare that they disrupt one another’s sleep, and if they do, they look for each other and settle back down.
Knowing they feel safe and comforted by each other’s presence has given me peace of mind, and it has been a wonderful way for them to grow in their connection as sisters.
I am hopeful they will continue to value and enjoy room sharing. It won’t always be easy since siblings argue and frustrate one another. Kids need their space and time to themselves, but for now, it works! They have “sister time,” “mama time,” and “solo time.” Their solo play often looks like they are engaging in activities apart from one another or quiet time in their cozy corner. Although, nine times out of 10, they gravitate back to one another, like magnets. Playing their favorite “sneaky kitten,” flipping through books, or climbing on their soft blocks!
Having my girls so close in age while living in a space that may seem small to others has taught me a lot about what’s important. In our home, it’s all about connection, presence, and love. The size doesn’t matter. Our happiness does.
Our home has history, and our gratitude for the one before us will never fade.
