Dealing with the aftermath of a divorce can be more challenging than working through the divorce itself. In the event that you have children, it is likely the courts will mandate a joint custody situation.
In this instance, the most common recourse is for the parents to set up separate households after the divorce and have the kids move between the households. However, this arrangement does not benefit all families. According to Psychology Today, many American families are experimenting with “nesting,” a living situation involving keeping the children in the same family home 100% of the time.
Where do the parents live?
The idea behind nesting is that it involves the parents moving in and out of the family home much like parent birds move in and out of a nest to take care of young. One parent, therefore, is always “on duty” at the family home.
A nesting living arrangement can look very similar to the living arrangement a family enjoyed prior to divorce. The only difference is that only one parent is in the family home: the other parent is not present. The “off-duty” parent may choose to live with other family or friends. In longer-term nesting situations, some co-parents decide to maintain a separate apartment for the “off-duty” parent.
What should I know before nesting?
Nesting suits families who are still on generally good terms after the divorce. Nesting requires that you and your ex-spouse continue to maintain a family home jointly, even though you are not married anymore. If you and your ex-spouse fight constantly, it is unlikely that you will be able to successfully maintain a nesting situation.
