The Benefits of Living in Two Homes for Children

1. More Quality Time with Both Parents

When parents no longer live together, each one has to “step up” and handle things the other parent may have taken care of before. That’s one reason children who split their time between two homes often have closer relationships with their fathers than kids whose parents live together: dads spend more time with them and take on a bigger share of the parenting. (And yes, the same goes for mothers stepping up!)

2. More Adults in Their Lives

Managing everything at home alone is tough, so single parents often lean on grandparents, close friends, or neighbors for help. For children, that usually means more adults around — adults with energy to spare who genuinely care about how they’re doing.

3. Special Agreements with Each Parent

When children live in two homes, it’s often easier to create special moments with each parent. When one adult gets to decide without checking with another, maybe Friday can always be fish taco night? Maybe there’s more room for fun and a relaxed atmosphere at home?

4. Double Birthdays & Extra Christmas Gifts

Every family does this differently. Some children still celebrate their birthday with both parents together; others get two parties — one with mom and one with dad. However it’s arranged, children in two homes often end up with a bit of extra celebration, because both parents want to make their child feel special. We think that’s a great bonus! The same often goes for Christmas: celebrating “Little Christmas” with the parent you’re not with on Christmas Day is pretty awesome.

5. Peace and Quiet at Home

This isn’t true for every child, but it is for many. If home was full of tension and conflict, the arguments often stop once the parents live apart. That matters, because children don’t do well around constant fighting. Parents also find it easier to be kind and supportive when life is calm — which is good for children and parents alike.