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Bedroom politics and children

The politics of childhood cohabitation has been raised after a new survey revealed that children in one in four homes share the same bedrooms.

London property prices mean that many of the same size families live in smaller houses, which increases the likelihood of child cohabitation to one in three.

Furthermore, 40 per cent of young couples say their homes are too small for their children.

According to government policy that has remained constant since the 1960s, one bedroom should be allocated to: any couple; each single person over the age of 21; pairs of children under the age of ten; or pairs of children aged ten to 21 of the same gender. Anything more crowded could lead to a family on benefits being given a larger home.

Even at these rates, bedroom politics between children is a heated issue. Indeed, the heckling opinions voiced at Prime Minister's Questions seem like (excuse the pun) child play compared to the inter-children rivalry that can emerge over a single square foot of the bedroom. Bunk beds or 'the best bed' also causes much anguish for parents trying to quell bedroom arguments. As far as the bunk goes, the top bed is the most hotly contested property in the house. Although, revenge is often sought from below through incessant kicking of the mattress!

In the end, despite the long nights of squabbling and fights, many adults recall fond memories of sharing a room during their childhood. Indeed, the vast majority would admit that it brought them closer in later life. But to dampen the apparently painful cohabitation while they are young, there are a few home improvements that can be made to make life less stressful for all parties concerned.

Dividing up the space in the room by using different features geared towards the separate personalities of the children allow them to feel at ease within their own space, and can help in improving the overall harmony of the room. Using different colours and wall decorations can also create the appearance of two single rooms in one.

The way you utilise the furniture will be ultimately crucial to the harmony of the room. The beds are particularly important, as they are the most personal aspect for the children. In this way, you should try to make a bed more than a bed. Bed tents and canopies can provide places to hide and relax in personal space, and adding toys and personal features to the bed make them seem more unique.

There are various different beds for children, each of which can be customised by adding accessories and personal features. Bunk beds are the classic space savers, but loft beds, trundle beds and captains beds also work well for kids. If you are using twin beds, place them lengthwise against the walls for optimum divide.

Creating as much space as possible will prove to be a significant benefit. Play areas are good for bonding and can lead to closer relationships and mutual respect. Clutter can also be an aggravator, especially if you have one neat child and one messy. Using baskets and storage equipment can be a good solution to this, allowing toys and clothes to be stored well but also accessible for use.

Finally, optimising the bedroom for sleep will make lives a whole lot easier. Lack of sleep can cause restlessness and crabbiness, which are both catalysts for bedroom wars. In this way, the bedroom should be a comfortable and relaxing place for the children. A good mattress and a warm duvet will leave the kids happy and well rested, a treaty of sorts, that will at least delay future bedroom wars.

Posted by Elizabeth Mewes