Should I Add My Boyfriends Daughters Poster in My Sons Room Decor?

AITA for refusing to add my boyfriend's daughter's poster in my son's room decor, sparking a dilemma about blended family dynamics and respecting individual space?

Maryjane

Published in Interesting
27 Nov 2025

Should I Add My Boyfriends Daughters Poster in My Sons Room Decor?

Navigating the complexities of blended families can be challenging, especially when it comes to creating a harmonious home environment. In a recent Reddit thread, a mother shared her dilemma about decorating her son Noah's room after moving in with her boyfriend, Alex, who has a daughter, Julia, from a previous relationship.

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As they embarked on this decorating journey, Alex suggested adding a poster for Julia to the mix, which sparked a heartfelt discussion about the balance between inclusivity and personal space. The mother felt that incorporating Julia's poster might encroach on the special bond she was trying to build with Noah, emphasizing the importance of creating a haven that reflects his individuality.

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On the other hand, Alex expressed a desire for both children to feel included in their new home, highlighting the delicate line that must be walked in blended families. As the thread unfolds, readers are invited to weigh in on this intricate situation.

Is it reasonable for the mother to prioritize Noah's feelings and autonomy in his personal space, or is it essential to foster inclusivity for Julia as well? This discussion opens the floor for insights, experiences, and potential compromises that could help bridge the gap between these two perspectives.

Original Post

So I'm (33F) and have been dating my boyfriend, Alex (36M), for about a year now. We recently moved in together, and as part of settling into our new place, we decided to redecorate my son Noah's (7M) room.

We spent hours picking out posters and decor that reflect his interests and make it his special space. However, when it came time to put everything up, Alex suddenly suggested adding a poster 'for Julia,' his daughter from a previous relationship.

I was taken aback because I had intentionally focused on making Noah's room a reflection of him and our little family unit. Adding something specifically for Julia felt like encroaching on the bond Noah and I were trying to create in our home.

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I wanted him to feel like this was his haven, and incorporating Julia's poster felt like infringing on that. When I gently expressed my concerns to Alex, he seemed hurt and said he just wanted both kids to feel included and comfortable in our home.

He didn't push the issue, but I could tell he was disappointed. Now, I'm torn.

I want to respect Alex's feelings and make everyone feel welcome, but I also want Noah to have a space that's truly his own. So Reddit, AITA for refusing to add a poster for Julia in my son's room decor?

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