For parents in Massachusetts, in the middle of a divorce, the dilemma of custody can be stressful. It is a parent’s job to do what is in the best interest of his or her child. The American Psychological Association explains that divorce can be traumatic for young children. Parents can ease the transition by allowing their child to maintain contact with both parents. Birdnesting is one way that parents can help children adjust to your divorce.
According to NBC News, a nesting approach allows the child to stay in one home, while the parents rotate in and out of the household. Often, the parents will have an apartment separate from the home that one will stay at while the other is in the family home. For most couples, to have three separate places is not practical.
The point of birdnesting is to disrupt the children as little as possible. If their environment remains the same, they may have an easier time accepting the change. Now, this is not a permanent change, but is instead an adjustment tool. Most parents do not use nesting forever. Instead, parents will use nesting for less than six months. This allows the child to transition without confusion. If they continue this for too long, they may send the wrong message that you and your spouse plan to get back together.
It is normal for children to imagine that their parents are going to resume their relationship. Parents should not encourage the fantasy by nesting for too long. When this happens, the end of birdnesting can result in shock for the child.