Divorces are as unique as families are. No two families go through the exact same divorce, which means that the exact same solutions will not work for all families, either.
One living arrangement that many divorcing families engage in is “birdnesting.” According to NBC News, “birdnesting” or simply “nesting” means that the children stay full-time in the family home, while the parents swap in and out in shifts.
What does birdnesting accomplish?
Birdnesting offers a number of advantages, particularly for families at the beginning of a divorce process. It allows the children an unparalleled amount of continuity: they will be able to stay in the same school, do the same activities and sleep in the same bedroom. This stability greatly benefits the children.
It will also allow the parents adequate space from each other. With only one parent in the house at a time, the chance of conflict lowers greatly. Plus, it allows the children to get used to being around only one parent.
What are potential drawbacks?
In order to engage in successful birdnesting, you and your ex must be on reasonably congenial terms. If you cannot have a conversation with your ex without an argument, it is unlikely that birdnesting will work for you. You will still need to collaborate on food, schedules, utilities and much more.
Birdnesting is also usually not a permanent arrangement. Maintaining the family home as well as separate living situations for the parents is usually cost-prohibitive. Plus, too long spent birdnesting may give your children false hope that you and your ex will get back together.
