In some developmental stages, particularly early childhood, sleeping close to a parent can be beneficial for the child's sense of security and attachment. However, as children grow older, the dynamics can change.
In high-cost urban centers (New York, London, Tokyo), multi-generational and shared sleeping spaces are not a choice but a financial reality. A two-bedroom apartment might house six people. A single mother working two jobs may only be able to afford a one-bedroom unit, forcing her to share a sleeping space with her son well into his pre-teen or teenage years. mom and son share a bed
If a family decides it is time to stop sharing a bed, the transition is most successful when it is handled with patience rather than as a sudden "eviction." A two-bedroom apartment might house six people
Research on child development generally shows that children who have their emotional needs met early—including the need for proximity—often become more independent and confident because they have a "secure base" to return to. Beyond formal medical papers, the topic is frequently
Beyond formal medical papers, the topic is frequently explored through social and psychological lenses: Family Dynamics