Nesting is a co-parenting arrangement during separation, where children remain in the family home while parents take turns living there with them. This approach has several advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Concepts needed for successful nesting:
Collaboration between the parents | Logistical Discipline | Amicable | Communicate clearly | Trust | Managing household responsibilities i.e.: expenses, cleanliness, boundaries, privacy.
Pros of nesting during separation:
- Stability for Children: Kids experience less disruption, as they stay in familiar surroundings and routines.
- Minimises Transitions: Can potentially reduce the emotional stress & behavioural issues of moving between homes for children.
- Time to Adjust: Parents have more time to make long-term living and custody arrangements. Nesting can be weeks/months/years.
Cons of nesting during separation:
- Logistical Challenges: Parents need alternative accommodation when not at the family home.
- Financial Strain: Maintaining multiple residences can be costly.
- Potential for Conflict: High cooperation is required, and unresolved issues may lead to ongoing disputes.
- Prolonging the inevitable.
- Considering nesting can be beneficial for children in the short term, it may however not be practical or sustainable for all families. Each situation is unique, so weighing these factors carefully is important.
Questions to be considered when making an informed decision:
- What concerns do you have about sharing the space?
- What do you need to do to make nesting successful?
- Do you need a formal agreement around the conditions that have been set around nesting?
- Set expectations and re visit the boundaries or any issues as they arise.
If you think nesting may be an option and you’d like to find out more information – schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation. Let me help you through some of your issues so you can “Separate with Freedom”.
