Trying to decide on a custody model for the children is often complicated because there are so many options to choose from. One thing that almost all models have in common is that the children go back and forth from one parent’s home to the other parent’s home. This can put stress on the children, but there is another option that might work.
The bird’s nest parenting style allows the children to remain in one home all the time. Instead of the child going back and forth, the parents rotate in and out. This provides the child with stability but it might not be a viable option for all adults.
One issue that comes up with this type of parenting is finances. The parents would be jointly responsible for the costs of the house where the children live. They would either have to each secure their own place or share a place, so each of them has somewhere to go when they aren’t staying at the home with the child.
If you and the child’s other parent think that this method will work, you need to sit down to come up with a realistic plan. This includes trying to work out the parenting time schedule, as well as getting the terms set for how the expenses will be divided. You also still have to deal with the regular custody issues, such as who will make which decisions for the children.
All the terms of your parenting plan should be spelled out clearly in writing, regardless of what style you use. This helps to reduce the chance that questions and issues will come up down the road.