Divorce can take a considerable toll on the emotional health of the young ones in your family. While you may be able to mitigate some of the emotional damage your kids sustain, they must eventually adjust to life after your divorce. Having a comprehensive parenting plan may help to provide structure and stability.
If you are looking for additional stability, you may want to consider a nesting arrangement. Popular with celebrities for a few years, this type of living arrangement keeps kids in the family home. Each parent then rotates in and out of the family dwelling at the beginnings and ends of scheduled parenting time.
Why is nesting beneficial?
The biggest benefit of nesting is that it offers continuity for your kids. Rather than having to shuffle between two households or even change schools, your children remain in their pre-divorce environment.
How does nesting work?
If you plan to try nesting, you probably want to create a nesting agreement. With this agreement, you outline each parent’s rights and responsibilities. You may also want to address household expenses and upkeep in your nesting plan.
Where does the other parent live?
When not residing at the family home, each parent must live elsewhere. Sometimes, nesting parents choose to live with family members or friends. You may also have a joint apartment you and your ex-spouse share. Alternatively, each of you may choose to rent or buy separate homes.
Nesting clearly is not appropriate for every post-divorce family. Still, if your kids seem to be struggling to adjust to your divorce, nesting may give them the stability they need to get through the first few months or years.