When looking into co-parenting options, it is important to keep a realistic idea of what is or is not possible with your unique family dynamic. What works for one family may not suit yours, and it may take some trial and error – or at least critical thinking – to determine what to try first.
If cooperative co-parenting is something you want to look into but you still need some time and distance from your co-parent, consider bird nesting as a potential option.
What is bird nesting?
Divorce Magazine examines the housing options for divorced or divorcing parents. This includes bird nesting, an up-and-coming popular option for parents going through a divorce. It provides your child with much-needed stability because they will get to stay permanently in the family home. Instead of shuttling them between your house and your co-parent’s house, you and your co-parent will take turns living with your child in the family home instead.
Helping your child adjust
This removes the burden of adjusting to a new environment on top of making adjustments to their expectations of daily life and their family dynamics. It also allows you and your co-parent to share time with your child and support them while also avoiding direct contact for long periods of time.
However, you first need to have the finances or ability to find a place to stay when not staying at the family home. You also need to trust your co-parent living alone with your child in the family home. If neither of these things seems feasible for you right now, then you may want to look into other options instead.