There is no single answer when asked when should kids sleep in their own rooms or separately from their parents.  There are many considerations for parents like space constraints, bonding with kids, health conditions of parents and kids, family size, kids’ gender, preference of the kids, letting the kids be responsible for their own compound and properties and others.

My boys started moving to their own room only when one was 8 years old while the other was 4 years old.  My guest room was previously occupied by either my mum or domestic helper for a long while and I have a super spacious bedroom that can accommodate 1 queen-sized bed and 2 single-sized beds.  Hence I did not have the opportunity to get myself and Brendan ready then to have his own space at home.   As both boys grow, I realized that they need to have their own space and also develop a sense of independence. At this stage, I am also considering whether I should also convert my study room to another bedroom so that both boys can have their own room each. As we know, both boys in a single room, fighting and struggling over belongings and space, arguing over TV channels -  does prove that their shared room has become overcrowded and they do need their own personal space to be happy and concentrate on their studies. So, while Papa Ed and mummy ponder over this issue, Brendan and Darren will have to co-exist in the same room harmoniously for the time-being.

Somehow after being in their own room for a year, the kids always love it when we stay into a hotel where the whole family has to cuddle together on a king-sized bed. Somehow, the close proximity tends to also give the kids a feeling of warmth, security and bond.  As we postpone our vacation travelling plan during this school holidays, I know the kids would be delighted to sleep over in my room last night. The night proved to be meaningful indeed. We spent cosy moments together in a common room watching movie and although the kids almost tore down my room with their jumping, shouting and messing up of my bed, the loud laughter and happiness on their faces prove that these “once in a while” moments of close bond and joy sleeping in parents’ room - are worth it.

Darren sleeping in a car (not in my room) - Haha, he put on his sunglasses and cap while he slept on a night car ride home:)