Practical help for life across two homes

Getting started with a parenting schedule

A shared schedule works best when it reflects what you have actually agreed. TwoNest helps you see the same plan and keep proposals separate from agreements.

1. Start with your arrangement

Write down the days in each home, the handover time and how often the pattern repeats. Alternating weeks gives a week in each home. 10/4 and 9/5 split a fortnight differently; 2-2-5-5 combines shorter and longer blocks. TwoNest also supports alternate weekends and custom patterns. The app does not assess which arrangement is best for your child.

2. Create the first schedule

Add your child and create the plan in Calendar. Choose the pattern, start date and handover time. Check at least one complete repetition so the first week, next handover and both homes look right. Each child's first plan is free. Editing is also free while you are the only parent in the family.

3. Invite the other parent

Use the invitation in TwoNest to join the same family, with an individual account for each parent. One family subscription can cover both of you. Once both parents have joined, swaps and later schedule changes require a subscription and the other parent's acceptance.

4. Keep proposals separate from agreements

When a day needs to change, make a proposal in the app. Check the dates and wait for an answer. Sending a proposal does not make it an agreed change. Your child's phone and shared calendar extracts use the agreed plan. Avoid telling your child a change is settled before both parents have accepted it.

5. Make the plan easy to find

Use the daily overview, add a widget or subscribe to the private calendar link in Google Calendar, iPhone Calendar or Outlook. Your calendar provider controls refresh timing. The link grants access to the extract: share it only with people who may see it. Notes and medical appointments are excluded.

6. Give your child a simple view

From version 1.3, link your child's own iPhone using a one-time code. They see today's home and the next six days, without parents' photos, expenses or other content. Read the child-phone guide.

This guide explains how to use TwoNest. It is not legal or professional family advice. Follow the arrangements that apply to your family.