Shared Nesters Circle: Emotional Support and Practical Guidance for Friends of Soon-to-Separate Parents

At the Shared Nesters Circle—your support hub near Willow Lawn—friends living with a soon-to-be ex while caring for kids meet weekly. Over eight sessions, we blend Psalm 25:16’s honest plea for mercy, candid empty nest tales from r/RedditForGrownups, and Dr. Rachel Glik’s approach to transitions as an active process (not just an ending). Each meeting begins with a calming five-minute meditation and wraps with a journal prompt, reframing letting go as a courageous Richmond milestone.

In week 2, participants focus on building resilient connections. Using a real developmental case study and Tracie Miles’s do’s and don’ts, groups practice check-ins through role-play. We normalize the highs and lows—think “emotional rollercoaster riding” common in Broad Street apartments—and everyone leaves with a new script for gentle support.

Attachment

How we connect emotionally and support one another, even in tough times.

Shared nesting

Method of alternating residence to keep the child’s routine stable.

By week 5, search for houses and DIY energy meet local flavor. The “paint your child’s corner” activity taps into painted or decorated room creativity, while a pro from Happy New Beginnings answers real-life questions—like showing your home with kids in tow and timing moves around the school calendar. Facilitators share negotiation scripts based on actual split-care schedules that work for Richmond families.

In the final weeks, members craft a personalized toolkit with links to Reddit’s empty nest support, Dr. Glik’s fresh-start checklist, and a one‑month action plan. Weekly drop-ins like VMFA Fridays and monthly meetups at Elwood Thompson’s keep the momentum going—whether you’re scouting leases, decorating rooms, or simply taking a breath.