Like many Texas parents going through divorce, your focus is on your children’s well-being. Studies show that kids do the best when they are able to maintain active, healthy relationships with both parents following divorce.
Studies also show that moving children between homes can be very stressful on the kids. What if there as a way to minimize the stress that the children experience? “Nesting” might be an option, as long as the court approves.
How does it work?
Nesting is not a new idea but it has been gaining in popularity among parents in Texas and throughout the nation. With nesting, your children continue to live in the house you and they shared with your former spouse during marriage. In turn, you and the other parent take turns living with them there.
Potential benefits
You may find a nesting arrangement helpful in several ways. It’s much easier to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine if your kids don’t have to move to a new home or travel between two homes. Many parents say nesting has helped their children come to terms with their new lifestyles.
Potential downsides
If you don’t get along well with your former spouse, nesting may not be your best co-parenting option. With nesting, you will see each other often and will be exposed to each other’s personal items, which can also evoke strong emotions.
Another possible downside is that you have to secure other living arrangements when it’s not your turn to stay with the kids.
It doesn’t have to be forever
The good thing about nesting is it does not have to be permanent. You can seek the court’s approval to give it a try and if it doesn’t work, you can take appropriate steps to request changes in your parenting plan.
The same goes for situations where a nesting arrangement is working well for you and your kids but your former spouse is not cooperating. If so, support is available to help you resolve the issues.