The old days of one parent having full custody of a child while the other parent has visitation seem to be fading into the past. Now, more parents here in Texas and across the country are realizing that having access to each parent as much as possible can help the children through what is invariably a rough transition when their married parents get a divorce, or their unmarried parents separate. Parents try many different arrangements in order to make the transition easier on their children, and the latest trend, which is referred to as “ birdnesting,” is making headlines.
In birdnesting, the children remain in the family home, and their parents are the ones who move from place to place. It is said that this relieves the children’s stress of having to move back and forth between two parental homes. The children do not have to worry that they might leave a beloved stuffed animal — or their homework — at the other parent’s house.
Obviously, this type of custody arrangement has both supporters and naysayers. Those who support the concept admit that it can be a challenge, but making the transition easier for the children is worth it. Others say that it robs the parent of a stable living environment and does not necessarily eliminate the issues between the parents that caused the divorce since the parents are essentially still sharing the same living space even though they are divorced.
Neither parent should be forced to accept a particular child custody arrangement if they do not believe it could work. The most important factors that parents need to consider are what will help them each remain loving parents while providing the children with a stable and secure home environment. It does not matter if that means birdnesting or a traditional visitation schedule as long as Texas parents are able to move forward with their lives and they are satisfied that the children are being taken care of and have the best possible chance of living happy lives.