As a parent going through divorce, you still want what is best for your child. Of course, the divorce process itself will often create great amounts of stress and disharmony in your child’s life. You can potentially counterbalance that by providing stability in their home environment, though.
Bird nesting is one potential way to do this. But what is bird nesting, and can you rely on it to help you where you need the help?
Providing your child with stability
Psychology Today looks at various types of co-parenting arrangements, including bird nesting. It gets its name from the way adult birds will leave their baby in the nest, returning to it to deliver food and teach the chick how to fly.
In a bird nesting situation in divorce, your child will remain in the family home instead of traveling from one parent’s house to the other in accordance with a visitation schedule. You and your co-parent will switch off living in the home with them.
This provides your child with a familiar and stable environment, which can provide a lot of mental security. They do not have to worry about adapting to entirely new circumstances while also dealing with the upheaval of their family life.
Who does it work for?
However, it does not work for every family. For example, you and your co-parent need the financial means to have two forms of housing. Whether you rent an additional apartment, a motel, or stay with friends or family, you need somewhere to stay when you re not staying in the family home.
You also need a degree of trust between each other. Know that you will leave your co-parent in the family home with your child unattended. If you do not feel comfortable with the idea, bird nesting may not suit your needs.
