If the chaos of toys, books, and games scattered across your living room makes you feel overwhelmed, a trending term on TikTok might help shift your perspective.
“I just learned the term ‘living room family’,” posted one TikTok user in a now-viral clip. “I never understood why my kids never played in their rooms when I always did as a kid.” The concept of a “living room family” revolves around where a family naturally gravitates during downtime. Do you all hang out together in the living room, or does everyone retreat to their own corners of the house?
“Being a ‘living room family’ means creating a space where everyone feels comfortable gathering, talking, and just being together,” says parenting expert Chioma Fanawopo. “It’s in these moments—whether it’s a movie night, a casual chat after dinner, or just hanging out—that trust grows and bonds deepen.”
This term offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional idea of children being expected to adapt to clutter-free, adult-centric spaces. “I sometimes get annoyed when my kids drag their toys out every day but looking at it from this perspective makes me more thankful,” shared one mom in the comments of the TikTok video. “Wait, it was not normal for me to be hiding in my room 24/7?” added another.
For many parents, their childhood homes restricted kid-friendly spaces to bedrooms, with communal areas often off-limits to mitigate mess. A “living room child,” on the other hand, has free reign to be visible and present throughout the home.
Sham Singh, a psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic, says this approach “instils a feeling of security and place among family members, particularly children, who feel their parents are around and available.” This encourages the development of social skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution while also building emotional intimacy within the family.
Not every family will fall neatly into the “living room” or “bedroom” category, but making shared spaces more inclusive can be a great starting point. “Create areas for reading, games, or even quiet activities, so everyone feels welcome. Lead by example—spend time in the space yourself, even if you’re just relaxing with a book or cup of tea,” advises Helen Spiers, head of children’s counselling at Mable Therapy. “Remember, it’s not about being together all the time—we all need a bit of alone time to decompress from the day—but finding regular moments that work for your family’s schedule.”
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