Nesting: A Way to Ease Children into the Inevitable Changes Caused by Divorce

Even if the decision to get divorced is in the best interests of you and your partner, the resulting physical separation can be traumatizing for children. The best way for children to adjust to their parents’ separation is, to the extent possible, to maintain stability both in and out of the home.  While families will inevitably experience changes and tension as they navigate the divorce process, there are various ways for parents to minimize the effects of divorce on children. One such way is by implementing a parenting schedule which involves “nesting.” 

Nesting involves both parents rotating in and out of the former marital residence to exercise their parenting time, while otherwise residing in separate residences. This way, the parents move and the children remain in the home that is familiar to them.  Some of the biggest benefits to nesting are practical in nature.  For instance, it allows parents and children alike to come to terms with the divorce without the children being separated from their home and belongings. Also, it aids in maintaining the status quo for the children as it relates to their social lives, transportation to and from school and activities, and physical proximity to neighborhood friends.