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eigenes Kinderzimmer

When do children need their own room?

When do children need their own room?

Including tips and advice from the community.
eigenes Kinderzimmer

Many parents ask themselves this question ... Do I need to set up a separate room for my baby? How long can I stay in the small flat with the child and when is a nursery absolutely necessary? And what about siblings - when do children need their own room? We have taken a close look at this topic and would like to present the advantages and disadvantages of a separate room for your child.

Is a baby room really necessary?

Many new mums and dads are very unsure about this topic. And opinions differ widely! The fact is: a baby needs a lot of physical contact and closeness to its parents in order to feel secure. It's not even possible to put the baby in its own room to play on its own. But that doesn't necessarily rule out a room of their own. In the very first few weeks of life, babies usually sleep in their parents' room anyway. Whether in their own little bed, in a co-sleeper or completely with mum and dad - nocturnal cry babies are quickly taken care of and feel protected close to their parents.

eigenes Kinderzimmer Babybett

However, not all families have such an uncomplicated night's sleep together. There are also many parents who feel disturbed by the little guest in the bedroom. And that's nothing to be ashamed of! After all, a good night's sleep is extremely important for us adults too.

Of course, there are also babies who simply sleep better on their own. For example, if one parent snores or gets up at different times, as is often the case with shift work.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when children need their own room. Parents should think about it: What is right for our family? What is the best way for everyone to sleep? Trial and error is often the order of the day. However, young parents in particular don't have a room to spare for the baby at the beginning. However, it can also help to move the cot into a nice corner of the living room at night. Test how you all sleep best.

"Children don't need their own room. But from a certain age, they do need their own little corner. That goes for mum and dad too, in my opinion!" - Annika

Ideas for your baby room

Toddlers in their own room?

What about small children? Do they need their own room to play and sleep in? Opinions are divided on this question too. Many parents are of the opinion that toddlers need their own room. However, children don't play on their own much at a very young age. Most of you will be familiar with the fact that your toddler is always following you around the house. If you are in the kitchen, then the child also wants to play in the kitchen and drags the toys everywhere. This naturally raises the legitimate question: when do children need their own room?
"I don't know any children under the age of 3 who play alone in their own room and leave their toys there. That's why our daughter won't have her own room until she's 3." - Sophie
eigenes Kinderzimmer Spielecke

In principle, a separate room for small children is not absolutely necessary, but it does have its advantages.

  • The children's room is the place where the toys are stored and where your child has their own realm.
  • In the same way, the living room or bedroom is a place where adults can relax and where there are no toys lying around. A little toy-free oasis like this also has something ?

"Anton's bedroom is more for us parents. There's plenty of space for all the toys and we also like to have some peace and quiet in the bedroom." - Karin

All in all, you can say: No, even toddlers don't necessarily need their own room. However, all children are different, so it may be that even at a very young age your child likes to withdraw and immerse themselves in their own play. In any case, it is important to have a fixed place to sleep and a small area of their own in the home where they can play and occupy themselves. This could be a box with toys in the living room or a room of their own.

What are the benefits of having your own nursery?

At the beginning, children aged 1 to 3 years play alone for up to half an hour at a time. As children get older, their play becomes more extensive and concentrated. This should definitely be supported - with a stimulating environment that offers sufficient stimulation for play. This is because playing alone also promotes children's personal development. So from the age of around 3, a children's room really does make sense. But does every child have to have their own room, or can siblings share a room without one of the children missing out?

eigenes Kinderzimmer  Kinderküche

When do children need their own room without siblings?

Many parents ask themselves this question ... Should each of my children have their own room? Or is it even better for the siblings to share a room? How long does that last?

"It's impossible to say exactly when children really need their own room. We decided on the start of school. But if there is a suitable space for homework and the children get on with each other, then I don't think there's anything wrong with them sharing a room. But it should be big enough and have a separate area for each child." - Stephan

Here, too, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In many families, the question of a separate room doesn't even arise, as the flat simply doesn't have a room for every child. But that doesn't have to be a disadvantage - quite the opposite. A shared room can be particularly useful at a young age. Young children learn to share, communicate with each other and respect each other's boundaries. A shared room is often particularly nice for children to sleep in. It is much safer to sleep with a familiar sibling.

eigenes Kinderzimmer Spieltisch
"The question of having your own room also depends on the age gap and gender of the children. It would be unreasonable for our 13-year-old daughter to share a room with her 6-year-old brother. However, if the children are close in age and of the same sex, I think multiple occupancy is absolutely fine." - Lena

In some families, the rooms are also separated according to purpose: a bedroom and a playroom. It is best to involve your children in the decision and ask them how they would like the room to be organised.

Of course, this issue should also be decided on a case-by-case basis. If the age difference is too great or the children simply don't get on, then a shared room is probably not the best solution. The different characters of the children should also be taken into account. Every child must have the opportunity to develop freely and pursue their interests.

From puberty onwards, children need their own room

Shared rooms often work well for children - under certain conditions. But when do children need their own room? Experts agree: definitely from puberty onwards. Especially if children of different sexes have previously shared a room. So if it's possible in terms of space, it's advisable to give teenagers their own room during puberty. After all, a place to retreat to is absolutely essential during this phase. This period is also a good opportunity to remodel the former children's room and transform it into a teenager's room. You should definitely let your teenagers have a say in the design, because ultimately they should feel comfortable in the room and develop their personality.
eigenes Kinderzimmer Minikommode

Conclusion: When does a child need their own room?

Children don't necessarily need their own room, but they do need a private area where they can play and occupy themselves. From school age, a quiet retreat for homework is important, but from puberty at the latest, a separate room should be set up if possible. By the way: There is no legal right to a separate children's room. This question is often asked on the Internet.
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