Same-sex twins are often more likely to share a bedroom than fraternal multiples of different genders. Multiples born into a family with older siblings may share a space with an older brother or sister as well. Deciding how or when to put twins in separate bedrooms is an issue that most parents of twins face at some point. A home’s space limitations may determine the final answer, or the children themselves may indicate a preference that prompts a change. While every family will have their own timeline, there are several stages where it is common to make the move to separate bedrooms. In the toddler years, a shared bedroom may be a distraction during bedtime, especially once the children transition out of cribs into beds from which they can climb in and out. Naptime can become playtime when there’s a buddy in the room, which may prompt parents to separate their multiples in order to promote a more peaceful environment. If you choose to establish separate bedrooms for your toddler twins, time the move carefully to avoid conflicting with other lifestyle changes, such as potty training or starting preschool. As multiples grow older, they are better able to communicate their feelings and desires. That’s when parents can ask for input, allowing the children to express their preferences and then accommodating their requests as you see fit. If separate bedrooms are not a possibility, parents should at least consider establishing individual desk areas for each child to promote good study habits. Starting school is also often an important milestone for multiples; they may be in separate classes for the first time and focus more on developing their own identity. Establishing a sense of responsibility and individual accountability is another motivating factor for moving twins into separate rooms. In fact, that is exactly why we decided to move my twins into their own rooms. We found it increasingly difficult to encourage them to work together to keep their shared bedroom clean; the mess was always “sister’s” fault and there was endless squabbling over possessions. Once they were settled in their own rooms, they found it much easier to keep track of their “stuff,” and we found it much easier to hold them each accountable for the upkeep of their respective rooms. Although they’ve had their own rooms for a while now, they still choose to sleep together from time to time. They enjoy the companionship, and I don’t mind, as long as they still go to bed on time. Their giggles and whispers remind me of the old days when they shared baby talk and threw their stuffed animals from crib to crib. At the end of the day, this makes me feel good about the decision to give them their space while still allowing them to maintain their bond.
