Most parents who share custody of their children live in two separate locations. They create a custody schedule or they are given one by the court, and then the children move back and forth between those locations on the schedule.
However, there are other parents who use birdnesting. This is a tactic where the children always live in one house. The custody schedule just shows the parents when they should move in or out, and then they live elsewhere when they don’t have custody. What are some of the benefits of doing it this way?
It creates stability for the children
One of the best things about this is that the divorce process feels less jarring to the children. They get to live in the same house, they have the same neighbors, they get to stay in the same school system and much more. Birdnesting just adds a level of stability to a divorce that you couldn’t get otherwise.
The children have everything they need
One issue that parents sometimes run into when living in different locations is that the children either have to bring their items back and forth or they have to buy duplicate items for each house. With birdnesting, the children always know they have what they need at the home.
Of course, there are downsides, as well. This can be expensive, for instance, and you really have to be able to get along with your ex to make it work. But if you’re interested in the benefits, this can help to show why you need to consider all of your options during a divorce.