For families who can do it, birdnesting may be an ideal child custody situation for kids who are affected by the end of their parents’ romantic relationship. This arrangement is specifically designed to put the needs of children first. There are some hurdles that parents may have to overcome, so it doesn’t work for everyone, but it can be beneficial under certain circumstances.
Essentially, The first step toward birdnesting is to pick a central home or a “nest.” This home is where the children live all of the time. Co-parents often just keep the family home, meaning that the children don’t even have to move. That’s the first benefit for them, because it gives them a better sense of stability and can make it easier to deal with the changes that are happening in their life.
How do birdnesting co-parents share custody?
To share custody, parents have a schedule telling them when they need to live with the children, in the house where their children reside. When if it is their ex’s turn, they move out of the house and allow their ex to move it. It’s basically just the reverse of a traditional custody schedule, where the children move between two homes. Instead, the adults move in and out of the same house where their children are.
What are the downsides?
For parents, there can be some downsides. Co-parents still have to cooperate, communicate and see each other on a regular basis. This is too difficult for some couples whose circumstances are contentious. The couple has to decide how to pay for everything since they will both need a house to live in when they don’t have custody. They also need to cover costs like maintenance on the family home or paying the mortgage, so they have to set up a system to work together to cover the costs for the children’s home.
It may be difficult at times, but many couples agree to put their children first and find a way to overcome these challenges. Birdnesting isn’t for everyone, but it is an option that may be worth considering for your family.