There is more than one way to parent after divorce. Co-parenting is the most popular post-divorce custodial arrangement, and while there are many benefits for the kids with this approach, the practicalities of two different households can be somewhat difficult to manage.
Many parents consider shuffling the children between two residences to be overly disruptive. This is why the concept of “nesting” has become more popular in recent years. According to Psychology Today, nesting is when the children constantly stay in the same residence and the parents rotate out of this residence based on their particular custody agreement.
What are the benefits of nesting?
In some situations, nesting can be easier on both parents and children. Instead of having to store duplicate sets of toothbrushes and child’s toys at different residences, everything child-related stays in the same house. Plus, nesting can be a good option for parents who may not be able to financially maintain two completely separate residences (particularly in high-cost neighborhoods). In some nesting situations when the parents are not “on duty,” they live with family members and friends, thus negating an extra rent payment.
Nesting is also beneficial in that it provides a way to minimize changes to the child’s routine. So in this case, the children get to stay near their friends, near their school, and keep their rooms. The only change is that the parents rotate in and out of the house.
Is nesting for everybody?
No, it will not work in all circumstances. For instance, both parents need to be on generally good terms with each other and willing to communicate and make a lot of compromises for nesting to work appropriately.
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