Divorce affects children just as much as, and sometimes even more than, their parents. As minors, they have little to no control over the sudden breaking of their family and life as they know it.
The breaking of a marriage can have long-term impacts on children’s mental health, overall behavior, academic performance and adjustment in life. While completely avoiding the divorce having an effect on children is not possible, there are options to ease the process and aftermath for them, including nesting.
Traveling back and forth can introduce unnecessary strain
Besides the upheaval of their family no longer being intact, children of divorced parents also often have to face the stress of constant moving. This may complicate their schedules and contribute to the development of a sense of insecurity and low self-esteem. It may also cause anxiety over having to constantly have their belongings packed up and be ready to move.
Nesting cuts out the travel
This is a strategy where the parents take turns staying with their children in their original family home. The children do not have to move all the time and remain in a familiar and comforting environment.
Nesting can lead to saving money
While the need for an additional place for the other parent results in more expenses, by nesting, the parents can reduce costs. A home for one parent can be smaller than one meant to house growing children and in a lower-income neighborhood, reducing the rent or purchase price.
Nesting is not the answer for all divorcing parents and their offspring. However, it can soften the blow of the upheaval for minor children while helping them gradually become accustomed to their new way of life.
