It’s often in the dead of night that the question arises. A step down the hallway, a worried little voice, and the child slips into the parents’ bed.
Should you give in? Resist? And above all… until what age is it “normal”? Between conflicting advice, outside opinions, and cultural traditions, bed-sharing after age 7 raises far more questions than it provides simple answers.
Shared sleep, what are we really talking about?
It’s called co-sleeping, bed-sharing, or sleep-sharing. In practical terms, this means the child sleeps in the same room as their parents… or even directly in their bed. This practice is very common during the first few years, especially to reassure toddlers. But as the child grows older, it often becomes a source of questions, or even tension, within the parental couple.
Why does the question arise around age 7?
In Western societies, there is a general consensus: up to a certain age, sleeping with one’s parents is considered acceptable, especially in cases of nightmares or periods of anxiety. After the age of 7 or 8, some specialists believe it is preferable for children to sleep alone in order to foster their emotional autonomy and sense of inner security. But be aware: these are general guidelines, not universal rules.
