ArcaMax

Dear Sad: "Nesting" would undoubtedly be less disruptive than having three children pack up their things to travel back and forth between households. It would also be much less expensive. With a nesting arrangement, you and your husband could rent an efficiency apartment nearby, and the two of you would essentially switch domiciles on a regular schedule, while your children stay put.

So yes, this sounds like something that could work for you, as long as you also pursue a sound and legal co-parenting agreement.

The most important factor contributing to the emotional outcome of a divorce is the attitude the parents maintain toward each other. Don't kid yourselves -- your children care more about their own happiness and stability than yours. If they feel loved and cared for by both parents, and if parents are kind and respectful toward and about each other, then the kids will feel less disrupted and insecure.

Dear Amy: "Worried Mom" asked how to time their divorce for their son's sake. He was a senior in high school.

My parents separated a few weeks after I graduated from high school. I went off to college lost and apathetic. I didn't do well and skipped a lot of classes.

There really is no good time for parents to divorce for kids, but if you're going to do it, just rip the Band-Aid off and do it now, rather than waiting. Chances are, her son already senses things are off.

-- Been There

Dear Been There: Thank you for offering your perspective.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)