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Our boys are 6 & 9. They have shared a room (at our house, they don't at their moms) since the youngest was born.

They each have their own bed, which is their space alone and the rest of the room they "share". Because of their age gap, the eldest wasn't napping when the youngest was born so we didn't have to worry about that. We do an earlier bedtime for the youngest and we just have him go to sleep alone and the eldest has "quiet time" (read a book, play quietly, etc). Then once we're sure the youngest is asleep then the eldest goes to bed.

It's totally not ideal, because sometimes (especially lately) the youngest doesn't go to sleep right away and then we're waiting an hour before we can let the 9 year old go to bed. They keep each other up if they are both awake! So frustrating.

I guess because they are only with us part time, the "stuff" issues isn't as big a deal. They each have their own drawers for clothing and personal items, and they share the closet and toy box for toys and games and stuff.

My sister and I shared a room until our teenage years. We both had a closet where our stuff was. We went to bed at the same time at night. I think naps where not so much an issue.

Were planning to do this because the places we could rent with a 2 bedroom are nicer and in the neighborhood(s) we want. If it doesn't work out dh and I will move our bed and divide the living room so our Los will have separate rooms. I'm thinking in some ways it might actually help because there were times where LO went through what seemed like "sleep regressions" where we figured out she just wanted us near. My mom shared rooms til she moved out and she said kids just get used to it!

I'm planning on having my kids share a room when June rolls around. They will be 15 months and 3.5 years old at that time. Will let you know how it goes!

Reading the above responses really encourages me! Good to know positive stories about kids becoming bff's in part from room sharing. I shared a room with my sis too through elementary school and it was a very positive experience.