Name: MSA

Troy, PA

Number of kids: 2

Ages of kids: 4 and 2 months

I was never allowed to shut my bedroom door when I lived at home (even to age 25! can you believe it!!!) I want my kids to be allowed to shut their doors. If it is a girl/guy mix then I can see having the door open somewhat although still not all the way. But as a preteen or teen I'd like them to have a space that they can call all their own.

Another Opinion submitted by Breanna from Fife, WA: My mother snooped through my room, no matter how much it upset me, she would read letters my friends wrote, and search my trash. I vow to respect my son's privacy as I would respect someone else in their home. I also believe that disrespecting my child's privacy is saying that I do not trust him which would bring on a horrible distance in anyone's relationship.

Another Opinion submitted by Petra007: I believe everyone should have their privacy, even my kids. However, if I see any odd or unfamiliar behavior from my child, and if I ask him about it and get evasive or non-answers, it is my responsibility as a parent to take care of my child. This means knowing what goes on in his life when he is not with me. If I have to go through his room to keep him safe, I will. I will go to any lengths to keep my son safe!! Of course, if there is no crisis at hand, I wouldn't think of intruding. However, I would not feel any guilt if I had to resort to this. Thank God, I've not had to so far!

NEW! Another Opinion submitted by Vicki: I believe everybody should have their own space. But on the same token I also believe that it is the parents right to go into their child's room if there is good reason. I have always respected my kids privacy but if I have any reason to go into their room I do so. After all the child's room is just that a room part of the house as a whole. Unless the child is paying rent and utilities etc. there is no such thing as "My room stay out." And in that case if the child is paying rent then they should have their own house and then they can be offended if a parent goes into their "space." Now days it is just to risky to give in to kids. If they are upset that you go into their room, I have found that it usually means that they have something to hide. And since I am responsible for them it is my right to go into any room of "My house" to see what it is they don't want me to see. That has been our house rule from day one. And all three of my kids respect that rule. If they know that I may go in they simply don't bring anything into their room they don't want me to find. It worked very well for me my husband and we have been very lucky, we never had any trouble from our two oldest boys. My daughter follows that same rule.

Another response posted by "Flame" from North Island, New Zealand: I respect my children's privacy but we have one rule which apply's to them all - no-one of the opposite sex needs to be entertained in their bedrooms. They know the rules and we may get the odd snigger from their friends but basically it has not been an issue. As ours is a larger family by today's standards we have learn't to appreciate each others privacy and if friends arrive we have a family room as well as a lounge in which to entertain company.

Teenagers rooms are not the tidiest places and if required I do not hesitate to have a thorough clean up with or without them around.I never throw anything out until they have had a chance to look through what I consider rubbish. So far no major problems have arisen and privacy doesn't appear to be an issue in our household.

Feel free to send in your own opinions regarding this article or anything else regarding parenting.