A viral video showcasing a touching example of parental sacrifice has captivated viewers on TikTok.
The viral clip, which was posted by @paigeboakes_x on November 25, shows a view of what appears to be a large cabinet. Moments later, it is revealed to be a fold-down bed, a new addition that marks the end of the couple's seven-month stint sleeping on an air mattress.
"7 months ago me & my husband gave up our bedroom so our kids can have their own space! 7 months sleeping on a blow up bed because the priority was to get their bedrooms decorated. Finally 7 months later, we have a bed!" the video's text overlay reads.
The video has so far garnered over 615,000 views and over 9,200 likes.
The mom, who lives in a two-bedroom home in the Bexley area of greater London, told Newsweek that her family includes her two daughters, aged 11 and 7, her 3-year-old son, along with her husband's son, who stays with them every other weekend and during holidays.
The couple initially relied on a blow-up mattress to sleep in the living room before building their current pull-down bed. Despite the challenges, the mother said the arrangement became a necessity due to the financial constraints of moving.
"We could never afford to move," she said, noting that their new setup would be permanent.
The viral video comes as homeowners across the United States continue to struggle with high housing costs. According to a 2024 report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, "millions of potential homebuyers have been priced out of the market by elevated home prices and interest rates."
The home price growth was seen in 97 of the top 100 markets, with higher increases in the Northeast and Midwest regions.
"Previously, all four of them [the children] were sharing a bedroom," the mother from the viral video told Newsweek. "There was no space and they had none of their own space and privacy, which is why we decided to give up the room for them."
Her two daughters now share a room, while her 3-year-old son shares a room with her husband's son whenever he's visiting.
TikTok Users React
Viewers on TikTok have flooded the comments section with praise for the couple's selfless decision.
User Aminaaaaaaaa described them as "amazing parents," while @nikkin1988 echoed the sentiment, calling them "great parents for this."
Others related to their sacrifice by sharing personal stories. Chelle wrote: "We also gave up our room for the kids. We had a mattress on the floor for months and would stand it behind the sofa during the day. We have a pull-out corner sofa now though! Things we do for kids."
Another user, @667788220011, noted: "We slept on a mattress on the floor for 2 years so that we could properly do up our sons' bedroom. Popped bubbly when we got our new mattress and frame. Normalize 'slow' growth."
For some, the sacrifices extended even longer. Sian commented: "I slept on my sofa for 3 years so my boys had their own rooms," while Sophie added: "Me and my partner sleep on a sofa bed for 3 years to give our blended family their rooms too."
Do you have a home-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
English (US) ·