What is “bird nesting” and is it a good solution for our family?

One of the most difficult aspects of divorce is rebuilding your life once the process is over. In the event that you and your ex-spouse have children, the most common arrangement is joint custody. Typically in this situation, both parents will set up their own separate homes. The children will then move between the homes.

However, this is not in the best interest of all American families. This is why, according to Psychology Today, many families are trying out “birdnesting.” Birdnesting is an arrangement where the parents are the ones moving in and out of the family home while the children stay put.

Who does this benefit?

In many cases, keeping the children in one living situation benefits the entire family. For instance, many older children do not like moving frequently between living situations, and this can cause a lot of disagreement and heartache. Birdnesting allows the children to stay put.

This is also a beneficial living situation for children who have special needs. Depending on your child’s needs, moving him or her often might be a medical danger. Plus, birdnesting provides an unparalleled amount of stability, particularly if your children get to live in the same house post-divorce as they did pre-divorce.

Who should not birdnest?

This is not a good arrangement if you and your ex-spouse cannot work well together. High-conflict divorces do not lend themselves well to birdnesting because this living arrangement requires a lot of open communication. If you and your ex-spouse are willing to work closely together for the benefit of your children, birdnesting may be a good option for you.