Divorcing parents often try to shield their children from the harsh realities of divorce, and while some upheaval is inevitable, those choosing to end their marriages may help their kids cope with the process of birdnesting. NBC News reports that this type of arrangement could help kids affected by a divorce feel more mentally and emotionally stable, as the family home remains intact while parents take turns living with them.
While birdnesting is an option for divorcing parents who can maintain an amicable relationship, understanding the benefits may assist everyone involved.
A unified family home
While it seems that birdnesting works best in the short term while the divorce finalizes, it can remedy much of the chaos that kids otherwise encounter when their parents get a divorce. They may find themselves in transit more often and by a different parent every few days. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and fear. Birdnesting helps both parents to maintain their children’s normal school, meal and bedtime schedules, which allows for as little disruption as possible.
Keeping a second home
The cost of divorce may not allow each parent to keep a second home on his or her own, so renting a small apartment to share in the rotation is always an option. As the divorce progresses, parents may want to discuss the future with their kids in a way that can improve the transition, as nesting usually works best when it is temporary.
Birdnesting may also benefit children socially, as they can continue with school and school-based activities without disruption. This could especially assist older children who do not want to change schools in the middle of a semester and give them a greater sense of stability.
