Navigating Sibling Room Disputes: How to Handle a College Kid Moving Back Home

Not medical advice. For emergencies, call your local emergency number.

This post highlights a common parenting challenge: balancing the needs of two children when living space is limited, especially after unexpected life changes. The core issue involves a college-aged daughter moving back home and wanting her previously assigned bedroom, which is now occupied by her high school sister. Both daughters have valid arguments. The college daughter feels she deserves a ‘real’ room since she lives at home full-time and has had her room taken away twice. The high school daughter, who has finally settled into a room she loves and feels proud of, is resistant to moving. The parent is in a difficult position, unable to afford a larger home and facing resistance to compromises like sharing a room. This situation requires careful consideration of fairness, individual needs, and the long-term well-being of both daughters. Strategies could include open communication, exploring temporary solutions, finding ways to enhance the den’s functionality and privacy, or even considering external storage to free up space.

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