Divorce brings many changes to a family all at once. However, for the sake of your children, it is important to keep things as steady as possible during this tumultuous time.
If you are financially stable, you are fortunate enough that you may not need to rush into selling your home and can decide who is going to keep it, although you have to determine who stays there in the meantime. How does the concept of nesting work after a marital split?
How nesting works
According to Psychology Today, nesting is the term used when children stay in the family home and their parents take turns coming in and out based upon whose time it is to be with them. There are some people who make this work very well for their family.
Nesting gives a lot of flexibility to your family’s living situation as long as both you and your ex are on the same page about this model. You might choose to share a second living space for the time that you are not with the children by renting a nearby apartment. Or, you may decide that you are able to close off part of your home, such as a basement apartment with a separate entrance. Some parents feel more comfortable renting two distinct spaces so they have autonomy. And, while you may not want to continue nesting permanently, it buys you some time to figure out your plans for moving forward.
How nesting benefits
Nesting gives stability to the children. Divorce is hard enough on them without having to keep track of what days they are with you and what they need to remember to bring with them. All of their supplies for school, musical instruments and accessories, and sports uniforms and equipment remain in the same place. This helps your children maintain a sense of stability while the world as they know it is changing.