Going back and forth between two households can be challenging for children after their parents divorce. Trying to remember everything they need for school, sports and extracurricular activities can be stressful, especially if the other house isn’t nearby.
To avoid disrupting their children’s lives, some parents are trying birdnesting. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this unique living arrangement?
Kids stay put
Birdnesting allows the children to remain in the family home while the parents take turns living with them. While birdnesting has multiple benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Benefits of birdnesting:
- Stability for the children, as they can stay in the same home, attend the same school and maintain their usual routines and friendships.
- It reduces the children’s anxiety and stress and allows them to feel secure and supported during a difficult time.
- Encourages both parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives.
- It can be more cost-effective and economical than maintaining two separate households, especially if the parents share an additional smaller living space when they are not in the family home.
Drawbacks of birdnesting:
- Coordinating schedules and managing shared spaces can be challenging.
- If both parents decide to maintain separate living spaces in addition to the family home, this can cause financial strain.
- Parents may be unable to find closure and move on with their lives after the divorce.
- Communication and sharing spaces can be complex if there are unresolved conflicts.
Deciding to keep and share the family home takes a lot of consideration and depends on several factors. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons and determine if your children are likely to benefit from the stability provided by birdnesting. While it can be beneficial for some families, it’s not suitable for everyone. Only you and your former partner can determine the best course of action for you and your children.