Divorce and child custody trends are always changing. After a divorce, you may find yourself struggling to figure out what custody plan works best for you, your children and your former partner. One of the growing trends includes birdnesting or nesting.
According to the BBC, birdnesting allows children to remain within the family home after a divorce.
How does birdnesting work?
When you nest, you keep the family home. Instead of your children rotating between homes, you and your spouse rotate. You may choose to have a separate apartment where one stays on days where you do not have custody. When you do have custody, you return home. Your children remain on the same routine and do not have to worry about traveling back and forth. Some parents may choose to share one apartment or house to rotate in and out of, whereas others may want two separate places.
How do you know if birdnesting works for you?
Birdnesting may be better for children because it allows the kids to experience a transitional period. If you want to try nesting, you do need an amicable relationship with your ex. You do not like to share a house with someone you struggle communicating with. While nesting may simplify your children’s lives, it can also complicate yours. You need to create a new routine and figure out how to navigate new scenarios where the two of you rotate between homes.
If you decide to nest, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Additionally, you should not consider it a permanent solution to prevent children from thinking you and your spouse may be together again.