Co-Parenting Nesting Worksheet

Use the Nesting Worksheet (bottom of page) to provide clarity and direction during this initial stage of your separation/divorce.

What is Nesting?

Nesting is a co-parenting arrangement where the children remain in the family home while the parents rotate in and out based on their parenting schedule. When one parent is "on duty," they stay in the family home with the children. When "off duty," they stay elsewhere—whether in a separate apartment, with family, or in another living arrangement.

This approach prioritizes stability for the children during a time of significant transition. Rather than children moving between two homes, they stay in their familiar environment while the parents are the ones who transition.

Benefits of Nesting

  • Stability for children: Children maintain their routines, friendships, school district, and sense of "home" during a disruptive time.

  • Gradual transition: Families can take time to make long-term housing decisions without rushing.

  • Financial flexibility: Parents may share an "off-duty" space, reducing the immediate need for two fully-equipped homes.

Important Considerations

Nesting works best when both parents can communicate respectfully and are committed to maintaining shared spaces. It requires clear agreements, flexibility, and a willingness to address issues as they arise.

Nesting is typically a transitional arrangement—most families nest for a few months to a year while making longer-term decisions. It's wise to build in a clear process for ending the arrangement when the time comes.

The template below will help you and your co-parent create a clear, workable nesting agreement tailored to your family's needs.

Considerations When Filling Out Your Nesting Worksheet

  1. Use the parts of the Nesting Worksheet that are helpful. Not all pieces will apply to every family. 

  2. Use this as a “living” document; as you learn what works or make changes in your practices, update this document. 

  3. If you and your co-parent can’t reach an agreement on how to handle an aspect of nesting, reach out to a co-parenting coach for support. 

  4. Many parents find it helpful to think of a Nesting agreement as a roommate agreement.

  5. Clear agreements about shared spaces can minimize day-to-day friction.