Emily and her sister have shared a room (by choice) for about 5 years. We bought them a big awesome bunk bed and gave them the bonus room so they could really spread out. They have loved it, and it has been great for both of them. They are super close and I feel fortunate that they don't really fight or get on eachothers nerves too much. Before you want to punch me in the face, you have to understand that this is totally because of Emily....not my stellar parenting.
Emily is unbelievably tolerant. She is willing to play immature games and is great at including her baby sister. I have no idea why. I am just sitting here all grateful for it. So when she comes to me and says she would really like her own room, I stop and listen.
It's a big undertaking....separating 5 years of stuff. Kind of like a bad break-up, HAHA! You keep the lamp, she is getting the colorful night light. We set up her bed in the other bedroom yesterday and while it is far from completed, it functions as a bedroom and she got to sleep in it all by herself last night. I thought Claire would be more upset than she was, but she handled it like a trooper too. She can't even remember a time she didn't have a sister-roommate!
We still have some more work ahead of us, but we are having fun with the redecorating process and letting each kid express themselves a bit. Oh, and I didn't forget her chewing therapy this morning!!! WIN!