In the wake of a divorce, children may feel devastated and confused, swallowed by a wave of turmoil and emotion. To their eyes, their entire world just shattered.
As they try to adjust, they may experience feelings of insecurity. Nesting is when two parents take turns living with their children in the family home and can help allay children’s fear to some extent. For many reasons, it may be beneficial for parents to consider it.
1. Sense of security
The main benefit of nesting is that the familiar surroundings offer children a sense of security and continuity, which may help reduce any anxiety they may feel about so many changes in their lives and reassure them that their parents will continue to stay in their lives and love them.
2. Reduction in disruption
Traveling back and forth can exhaust children and disrupt their normal academic and extracurricular activities, leading to a decline in performance. It may also make them feel transient as if they do not have a true home they belong in. Nesting avoids these problems.
3. Increased cooperation
Co-parenting can be difficult even among parents with amicable relationships. Nesting reduces some of the frustration of scheduling by dint of removing the need for pickups and dropoffs. Parents also have to cooperate well to coordinate their shifts with the children.
The sudden upheaval of their lives by divorce can result in negative effects on children. The adjustment period can be painful and cause lasting damage. While nesting is not a cure-all, it can help mitigate some of the impact of the split. However, it is not for every family and requires careful consideration before implementation since factors like financial situation, jobs, dating and children’s ages may prove to be barriers to the successful usage of the tactic.
