Just like not all divorces are the same, not all post-divorce custody situations work the same way either. Traditionally, in a joint custody situation, the parents set up separate households and the children move between the households according to the custody arrangement.
However, having the children move so frequently does not work with the lifestyle demands of many modern families. According to Psychology Today, many families have opted to pursue a “nesting” living situation if the parents hold the children in joint custody.
What makes nesting unique?
Nesting it turns the traditional arrangement upside down. Rather than the children moving between the households of the parents, the children stay in one household and it is the parents that do the moving.
The term “nesting” comes from the way that this lifestyle emulates the movement of parent birds. With birds, the babies always stay in the nest and it is the parents who move in and out to care for them.
Who should consider nesting?
If you have children who are highly-resistant against the idea of frequent moving, nesting can help make post-divorce life smoother. Particularly if you have older children, deciding to nest until high school graduation can potentially prevent a lot of unnecessary strife.
If you live in a high cost of living area, maintaining the family home may be the only way you can keep your children in the same school district with the same friends. Families with special needs children may also find that nesting is the only way to keep their child safe and healthy. Nesting is a flexible living environment that may work best for your post-divorce family.
