Parents who are going through a divorce are looking for ways to divide parenting time and child custody rights. This does involve the decision-making power that they have to make choices for their child, but many parents are focused on the physical aspect. Where is the child going to live and how can they create a custody schedule that works for the whole family?
A typical schedule involves the children switching back and forth between homes. Perhaps they live with one parent for a week and then switch to the other home, where they spend the following week.
But another solution is known as birdnesting, where children never have to move. They always live in the same home, and their parents are the ones who move in and out.
What are the benefits and downsides?
There are many benefits to birdnesting, starting with the stability that the children feel. They always have their toys, clothes and other possessions at home. They don’t have to move after the divorce, so life feels a bit more stable and secure. They also don’t have to spend as much time in the car, if their parents don’t live close to one another.
The downsides are mostly financial, as birdnesting can be very expensive. Parents need homes to live in when they do not have custody, and they have to share the costs of the children’s home. Another downside is that parents have to cooperate and work together closely, which is not always optimal if they aren’t on good terms.
That being said, birdnesting helps to show how many different legal options there are. Parents who are going through a divorce need to carefully consider all of the options at their disposal.