Jan 14

Jan 14 Tips For Separating Twins Into Their Own Bedrooms

For those that have followed along on Instagram, you’ll know that Ames and Joules are officially separated into their own big kid bedrooms!! Last month, Rob and I worked VERY hard behind the scenes to “move” the kids, to build their new big kid beds, and to decorate their new rooms as a Christmas gift. New bedrooms and new beds – those are big changes for 4-year-old twins! Ames and Joules have always slept right next to each other in the same room—like so many twins like to do. So, we were nervous to see how they would respond! We turned their shared nursery into Joules’ own bedroom and their shared playroom into Ames’ own bedroom.

But first, how did we know they were ready to have their own rooms?

We simply asked them if they wanted their own rooms! And they both said YES!
It was no secret that Ames LOVED waking up his sister when they shared a room. ;) So, we knew this would make for better sleep for everyone.
They’re 4-years-old and they’re boy/girl twins with different interests. We noticed them becoming more independent.
We had the extra bedroom (that was actually a playroom). So, why not use it?!
Even though they’re in the same Pre-K class at school, they’re often put into different small groups with their classmates. And we know the kids already do well apart in class activities. Knowing they’re likely going to be separated in Kindergarten next year, we wanted to use this bedroom separation as a stepping stone.

BUT, all that said…..Ultimately, the timing of it all is a personal choice. Different things work for different families! And if a family chooses to keep their twins together, then I see nothing wrong with that.

The week before Christmas, we sent Ames and Joules over to their grandparents’ house for the day while Rob and I stayed home and made the magic happen. We then brought them home to share the big reveal. And I’m happy to report…they LOVED it!! Now that it’s been almost a month since the split, I can say the separation went PERFECTLY. Although, the first night they ever slept apart, Ames and Joules kept running back and forth to each other’s rooms to give each other a thousand goodnight hugs—which was absolutely adorable. :-)

Here are 8 things we did to facilitate the twins’ split into their own bedrooms:

We first asked them if they’d like to be split in their own bedrooms – to which they both said yes! I think this made them feel “involved” in the decision.
Talked about it ahead of time and told them what to expect. Preparation is key!
Allowed them to choose some things, like the theme of their sheets/bedspreads.
Reassured them that their toys would be split between them evenly in their new bedrooms.
Kept some things familiar (furniture, dolls, art, etc.) to balance the new.
Built up the excitement by having them go stay with grandparents for a few hours while we moved them. Then had an exciting “reveal!”
We split them at the right time when there were no other major changes happening within our household.
We also put pool noodles under their mattress sheets to ensure nobody fell out of their big kid beds that first night (and it worked like a charm!)

To any twin parents considering the big split, just go with your gut. You’ll know when the time is right for your twins!