Parenting after a divorce is difficult for multiple reasons. Even if you and your ex-spouse are on good terms and are ready to take the next step in responsible parenting, the details can be overwhelming. Figuring out a suitable living situation after divorce is challenging.
In order to make the living situation easier, some divorced families have chosen a “nesting” living arrangement. Nesting is unique because it involves the children staying in one living situation 100% of the time. Instead, it is the parents that do the moving in and out of the family home, much like parent birds do when they are caring for babies in a nest.
Where do the parents live?
Of course, this means that one parent will be in the family “nest” with the children, and the other parent will need to be elsewhere. How this works out logistically depends on the family's specific circumstances. In some cases, a nesting situation may be very temporary. In this case, it is not uncommon for one parent to live with other family and friends when they are not in the family home.
In longer-term nesting situations, it is not uncommon for the parents to decide to rent a separate apartment for the off-duty parent. Nesting situations are as unique as those who decide to employ them.
How long can this last?
In certain circumstances, nesting can last for years. Depending on your particular needs, you may find that nesting is a good stopgap measure while you set up your own independent household. Some families have found it beneficial to continue nesting for several years so that their children would not need to move until after high school. It all depends on your situation.