Question: We might move in with my in-laws for about a year to save some money. They have a three-bedroom house which means that my kids (a 2-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl) would have to share a room -- and possibly a bed. Is there any reason why either sharing a room or sharing a bed would be detrimental to the kids?

Answer: At that young age there is nothing inherently wrong with a brother and sister sharing a room, or even a bed. In fact, it's a luxury that we even can ask the question; the idea of a separate room or bed for each child in the family is unheard of in many parts of the world - and among many families in this country. Although there will not necessarily be any harm in having the children share a room, it makes sense to think about how you can make this new, temporary living arrangement go smoothly for you and your children. I'd suggest you start by asking yourself some questions.

First, how do the two children currently get along? Is their relationship relatively harmonious, or do they get into frequent conflicts? Since they apparently are used to having their own space in your current home, are they likely to squabble over sharing a room and a bed?

You also might want to think about their sleeping patterns. Will the movement of a lively 2-year-old disrupt the sleep of the 4-year-old? Or will the children's different bedtimes and morning schedules interfere with each other?

If the answers to those questions lead you to anticipate problems, you might take some precautionary steps. For example, if you think sharing a bed will be difficult, consider purchasing an inexpensive inflatable bed or roll-away for one of the children. And if you envision hassles over space and objects in the shared room, arrange the room so each child has his or her own space, maybe with a small throw rug marking each child's special play space. You might use sturdy laundry baskets for storing each child's toys and clothes, allowing each child to choose baskets in a favorite color. These make it easy for kids to find their own things in the morning and to help put toys away at the end of the day.

Who knows...after a year of living with your in-laws, your children may become so accustomed to sharing a room that they have trouble sleeping alone when you move into a place of your own.

Dr. Erickson and her daughter can be heard every Sunday, from 2 - 4 pm, on "Good Enough Moms," on FM107.1 radio in the Twin Cities or via Webcast at www.FM1071.com