Q&A for How to Keep Annoying Family Members out of Your Room

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  • Question
    How can you block the door so they can't get in your room while you're in there?
    Community Answer
    If you’re in your room and you want privacy, barricade your door by wedging a chair under the door knob or pushing a piece of furniture in front of it. Just make sure that you can quickly and easily remove whatever you’re barricading your door with, if necessary, in the event of an emergency.
  • Question
    My niece and nephew hijacked my room and I can't even get in there myself - what do I do?
    Community Answer
    Knock and raise your voice so they can hear you when you tell them to get it out. If they ignore you, threaten to tell one of your parents. If they continue to ignore you, go get a parent - yours or theirs - to help you handle the situation.
  • Question
    How do I keep my cousins out of my room?
    Community Answer
    Tell them firmly that you don't want them in your room, especially if you aren't in there. Try to hang out with them a little outside of your room, in case all they want is your attention. When they barge in, march them out immediately and do something with them in another room. If they won't stop, get your parents and/or their parents involved.
  • Question
    What are some signs you could make to put on your door?
    Community Answer
    Keep your message simple and write it legibly. “Please knock before entering” and “Please don’t enter without my permission” would both work great. "Enter at your own risk" is a popular one. If it’s a younger sibling you’re having trouble with, be sure to post the sign at eye level for them. If the sibling is too young to read, draw a picture of a person knocking on a door.
  • Question
    What if they are older than you?
    Community Answer
    All of these methods will work on older siblings, too. If all else fails, go talk to your parents specifically about your older sibling.
  • Question
    I have 4 annoying big brothers and they keep intruding on my privacy. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Try the nice approach first and talk to them about it. Let them know you're angry and that you don't like it. Get your parents involved to help you with the situation. If all else fails, barricade your bedroom door by pushing your desk or something else in front of it to physically block their entry. You could use a doorstop for the same purpose.
  • Question
    What if toddlers are the ones invading your space?
    Community Answer
    Don't yell at them - they don't know any better. When they barge in, scoop them up and bring them in another room. Enlist your parents' help to teach them to stop barging in. Try to hang out with them a little outside of your bedroom - sometimes very small children just want a little attention. Give them a little more attention and hopefully they'll stop seeking it out intrusively.
  • Question
    What if they are rude and don't want to leave?
    Community Answer
    Tell them assertively to leave your room. Go get a parent if they won't do it.
  • Question
    What if they ignore all of these methods?
    Community Answer
    If you're dealing with siblings, get your parents involved. Go for a walk to get some fresh air and get out of the house when they're bugging you a lot. Continually remind them to stop invading your space. Stay over at a friend's house on days when they are really upsetting you.
  • Question
    What to do when sister doesn't stop messing with things?
    Community Answer
    Start by asking her nicely to stop. If that doesn't work, let her know you're angry and confront her about it. Get your parents involved if necessary.
  • Question
    My brother never leaves me alone. He is 8 years old and he won't stop, even when my parents tell him to stop. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    It sounds like maybe your little brother just wants some attention. Try working on a project together outside of your bedroom or playing games in another room. Every time he comes in your, stand up immediately and walk him out. Reinforce over and over that he shouldn't come in your room. Promise to hang out with him another time and make little "dates" with him to hang out, watch movies, etc.
  • Question
    What if everyone in your family is bothering you, so you can't just talk to your parents, and you can't get a lock/barricade the doors?
    Community Answer
    Try getting out of the house. Go for a walk or something else to get some fresh air and be away from them for awhile.
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