Nesting After Divorce

Nesting After Divorce. What Parents Need to Know Before Giving It a Try.

By Christina McGhee

Nesting after divorce involves kids staying put while parents move in and out of the family home. Sometimes it’s also referred to as “birdnesting.”

Initially Sarah and Miguel thought nesting sounded like a perfect solution. While there were many things they disagreed about, they were both laser-focused on the well-being of their tweens. Emotions were high. Nobody wanted to move. So, in a moment of “let’s just get through this,” they agreed: The kids needed to stay in the house, and we’ll come and go.

At first, it worked. Sort of.

But as the weeks dragged on, tensions started to escalate. Sarah continued to hang on to the hope that maybe she and Miguel could save their marriage. Miguel, however, was still reeling from the sting of Sarah’s infidelity and wanted out.  It didn’t take long before old arguments started to resurface and communication became extremely strained. While their children weren’t schlepping bags between houses, they were walking on eggshells — caught in the middle between two parents trying to do right by them…without a roadmap.

A nesting arrangment — also called “birdnesting” — is when kids remain in the family home while parents rotate in and out on a schedule. While it can offer stability during a time of big changes, it’s far from a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Let’s talk about what nesting is, what it’s not, and how parents can use this strategy in a way that helps — not harms — their kids.

So What’s the Upside of Nesting?

For some families, nesting can create a softer landing during separation. Here’s how:

It creates an emotional buffer for kids.
Instead of getting uprooted overnight, children get a chance to adjust to family change in familiar surroundings. That continuity — sleeping in their own bed, staying in the same school, not packing up their lives every few days — can be a major source of comfort.

It can reduce financial pressure.
Let’s be honest — setting up two homes right out of the gate isn’t always realistic. Nesting can give families some breathing space when it comes to organizing their finances. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the burden (parents do need an alternate place to stay), it can slow things down long enough for parents to stabilize money matters and thoughtfully plan their next steps.

Parents often assume nesting means having three places – it doesn’t. There are lot of options. Some parents find one apartment close by that they each use when they aren’t with the kids. Other couples may stay with family, friends or rent a room on their off-duty parenting time.

If It’s So Good for Kids, Why Don’t More Parents Choose Nesting?

Because — spoiler alert — it’s complicated.

It can be confusing for kids.
If nesting isn’t clearly explained, kids may make assumptions or hang onto hope. “If Mom and Dad can live like this, why can’t they just make it work and stay together?” Or worse, children may secretly hold onto the wish that their parents will have a change of heart and not get divorced.”

It can delay healing.
Without a solid reset in how parents relate to each other, old patterns show up fast. One parent might secretly hope nesting is a way back to “normal.” The other might feel emotionally done and trapped – ready to move on with life. When there is a significant disconnect in how each parent is processing the divorce, it can delay healing for the whole family. 

Bottom line: Nesting doesn’t fix problems in a marriage — it magnifies them. Just like with Miguel and Sarah, when parents go into nesting without a plan, the tension and conflict can easily persist or escalate.

How Can Parents Make Nesting After Divorce Workable?

If you’re going to try nesting, don’t just dive in. Here’s how to make it clearer and less confusing for everyone involved — especially your kids.

Be direct and clear with your children
Most parents avoid saying “divorce,” opting for vague terms like “a break” — thinking it will soften the blow. It won’t. Not being direct just confuses kids.

If you’ve decided to split, say so — in an age-appropriate way. Use the word “divorce” if that’s what’s happening. If it’s a trial separation, say that. Clarity creates security.

Use nesting as a short-term option initially.
Don’t treat nesting like a permanent fix or leave it open-ended. Agree to try it for three-to-six months, then re-evaluate.  Is it still working? Are tensions rising? How are the kids doing? Then decide whether to continue, adjust, or move on.

Have a plan. In writing.
Respect, privacy, responsibilities, schedules, conflict management — all need to be spelled out. The more you clarify upfront, the fewer misunderstandings down the line for both of you.

And if mapping that out sounds overwhelming, get help. An experienced child-centered professional can guide you through the logistics — and help you make skillful choices.

Is Nesting After Divorce Right for You?

Before saying “yes,” take a hard look at your current parenting dynamic.

Ask yourselves:

• Are we both focused on what’s best for our kids?
• Can we respect each other’s space and privacy?
• Are we able to manage conflict without putting our kids in the middle?
• Can we co-parent without rehashing old fights?
• Do each of us regulate our emotions well?

If the answer is mostly yes, a nesting arrangement might be a fit — at least for now.

If the answer is not really, that’s okay. There are other ways to support your kids through this transition.

Tips for Parents Who Choose to Nest

If you do decide to nest, here are three key pieces of advice:

Stay connected to how this feels for your kids.
Even within the most ideal circumstances, there are lots of issues children of divorce navigate behind the scenes that parents overlook or completely miss.  Do your best to keep the conversations going, let kids know they can ask questions. Make space for hard feelings. Be a steady, grounded presence for your children.

Remember – Kids will follow your lead.

Think “on-duty” and “off-duty,” not primary and secondary.
In a two-home family, parenting roles should be interchangeable not static. When you’re “on-duty,” you’re physically present. When you’re “off-duty,” you can still support your children — whether that’s through texts, video chats, or teamwork behind the scenes. The goal is for both parents to feel involved, and for kids to feel consistently supported.

One Last Thing Parents Ask All the Time…

“What’s the best age for kids to go through a divorce?”

Here’s the hard truth – there is no best age. Whether kids are three or thirty-three, divorce will rock their world. The impact doesn’t change based on age — it just shows up differently at each stage.. What matters more is how you handle the change. How you talk to your kids. How you show up. How you protect them from conflict and support them in having a strong connection to each parent.  

Want Help Navigating Nesting After Divorce— or Deciding if It’s Right for You?

If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or stuck — you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Check out resources at divorceandchildren.com, or look for a child-centered professional to guide you through the initial stages. If you’re looking for someone in your area, you can find a list of professionals I have trained here. 

Also if nesting isn’t for you and you’re still living under one roof while you’re splitting up – these tips can help.

Nesting after divorce can smooth the transition for your children — or stall it. The difference is in how you approach it.