Raising 'Living Room Kids' in a 'Bedroom Kid' World

Younger generations are embracing more communal spaces, while their parents grapple with the shift

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:15am

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This article explores the generational divide between 'bedroom kids' and 'living room kids', and how parents who were once 'bedroom kids' themselves are navigating raising children who prefer shared family spaces. Pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart provides insights on the differences between the two types of kids, the factors that influence their preferences, and why parents shouldn't automatically equate a child's choice of space with mental health concerns.

Why it matters

As technology has evolved, giving kids more private access to screens and online interactions, parents are finding their own childhood experiences as 'bedroom kids' clashing with their desire for more family connection. Understanding the nuances between bedroom and living room kids can help parents find a healthy balance and avoid making assumptions about their children's wellbeing based solely on their preferred spaces.

The details

The article describes 'bedroom kids' as those who gravitate towards their own private spaces to recharge, while 'living room kids' prefer shared family areas. Dr. Lockhart notes that neither is inherently better or worse - it often comes down to a child's temperament, household dynamics, and other factors. She also points out that the rise of technology has blurred the lines, as kids can now be physically present in shared spaces while still engaging privately online. Additionally, the majority of kids today don't have solo bedrooms, further complicating the dynamic.

  • In 2001, the author was a 14-year-old 'bedroom kid' messaging friends on AOL Instant Messenger.
  • Today, the author is a parent raising 'living room kids' who enjoy family movie nights on the couch.

The players

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

A pediatric psychologist and parent coach in San Antonio, Texas who provided insights on the differences between 'bedroom kids' and 'living room kids'.

Alexandra Frost

The author of the article, a freelance journalist and content marketing writer who is a 'bedroom kid' raising 'living room kids'.

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What they’re saying

“Their room is where they recharge, decompress, and feel most like themselves. Their nervous system feels calmer when they have control over their environment.”

— Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, Pediatric Psychologist (Good Housekeeping)

“Being in a bedroom doesn't automatically mean isolation or depression. And being in the living room doesn't automatically mean connection or emotional wellness. What matters most is whether the child still has healthy relationships, functioning, and a balance of connection and independence.”

— Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, Pediatric Psychologist (Good Housekeeping)

The takeaway

As parents navigate the shift from 'bedroom kids' to 'living room kids', it's important to avoid making assumptions about a child's wellbeing based solely on their preferred spaces. By understanding the nuances and factors that influence these preferences, parents can find a healthy balance that supports their child's individual needs for both connection and independence.