How to Navigate Holiday Showings with Children During a Divorce Sale in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
Selling a home during the holiday season can be challenging in any situation, but when a divorce and children are involved, the process becomes even more complex. For families going through a divorce sale, maintaining children's routines and emotional well-being is a primary concern. Holiday showings can disrupt schedules, increase stress, and heighten emotions. However, with careful planning, it’s possible to reduce the impact on your children and make the process easier for everyone involved.
Here are strategies for managing holiday home showings with children, along with family-friendly activity ideas in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, to keep them entertained and stress-free.
Set Clear Expectations for Showings
Children thrive on routine, and sudden changes can be unsettling, especially during the holidays. To minimize disruptions:
Plan in advance: Collaborate with your Realtor®/Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®) to establish a showing schedule that provides ample time for preparation. Whenever possible, aim to avoid scheduling last-minute showings.
Communicate early: Explain to your children what showings are and why they’re necessary. Frame it positively, such as “We’re helping others find their new home.”
Create a showing checklist: Involve your children in simple tasks like tidying up toys or turning off lights. This makes them feel included and gives them a sense of control during an uncertain time.
Establish a Temporary Holiday Routine
While it may not be possible to stick to your traditional holiday plans, create a temporary routine that includes holiday cheer without adding stress. This might mean simplifying decorations, planning smaller gatherings, or incorporating low-maintenance holiday traditions that keep children engaged without complicating the home-staging process.
Have a “Go Bag” Ready
Keep a bag packed with essentials to make leaving the house for showings quick and stress-free. Include:
Snacks and water bottles
Favorite toys, books, or activities
Cozy blankets or pillows for younger children
Seasonal treats or small surprises to keep the experience positive
Use Holiday Activities to Your Advantage
The holiday season offers countless family-friendly events and activities in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota that can keep your children entertained while your home is being shown. Here are some ideas to consider:
Visit Local Light Displays: Take your children to see festive light displays such as the Sever’s Holiday Lights in Shakopee or Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth. These outings are not only fun but also create lasting memories during a transitional time.
Explore Twin Cities Winter Festivals: Enjoy activities like ice skating, holiday markets, or seasonal food at events like Holidazzle in Minneapolis or European Christmas Market in St. Paul.
Plan Indoor Adventures: Minnesota’s cold winters make indoor activities a great option. Take your kids to the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul or an afternoon movie at a local theater.
Holiday Baking Fun: If leaving home isn’t an option, consider baking holiday cookies at a friend’s house or a nearby relative’s home. It is an enjoyable way to keep children occupied while also bringing some holiday spirit into their day.
Lean on Support Systems
Coordinating showings and managing holiday stress can be overwhelming, so do not hesitate to lean on friends, family, or childcare providers.
Share the load: Ask trusted relatives or friends to take your children for a fun outing during showings.
Coordinate with your co-parent: If possible, align showings with your co-parenting schedule to minimize disruptions.
Keep the Focus on Your Children
Divorce and home showings can be stressful for children, particularly during the holidays. Be mindful of their emotional needs by:
Reassuring them frequently: Remind your children that their feelings matter and that the home-selling process is temporary.
Offering choices: Let them pick small holiday activities, decorations, or outings to help them feel in control during this transition.
Encouraging self-expression: Allow your children to share their thoughts and emotions, whether through conversations, journaling, or drawing.
Simplify the Holiday Season
This may not be the year for extravagant decorations or large gatherings. Focus on what is most meaningful for your family. Instead of elaborate decorations, opt for simple and neutral holiday touches that enhance your home’s appeal to buyers while still creating a festive atmosphere for your children.
Take Care of Yourself
Children take emotional cues from their parents, so it is important to manage your own stress during this process. Practice self-care, whether it is taking a quiet walk, attending a yoga class, or simply enjoying a holiday movie with your kids. When you are calm and composed, your children are more likely to feel secure.
Navigating the Holidays with Confidence
Selling your marital home during a divorce, particularly during the holiday season, can be a challenging process. By establishing clear expectations, maintaining familiar routines, and utilizing family-friendly activities in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota, you can help reduce stress for your children and make the transition smoother for your entire family.
With the right support and planning, you can balance the demands of holiday showings and the emotional needs of your children, creating a smoother transition for everyone involved. If you’re looking for a real estate professional experienced in divorce-related transactions, I’m here to help guide you through the process with compassion and expertise.
If you are preparing to sell your home this holiday season, consider working with a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®) such as Shannon Lindstrom with RE/MAX Results. As an expert in divorce-related real estate transactions, Shannon can help guide you through the process with professionalism and sensitivity.
Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, CDRE®, CREDS, CRS, GREEN, MILRES, MRP, VCA
RE/MAX Results
7373 Kirkwood Court No, Ste. 300
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Direct: 612-616-9714
Lindstrom_S@msn.com
Shannon@ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstrom.info
https://www.ilumniinstitute.com/cdre/shannon-lindstrom
www.MNDivorceRealEstateExpert.com
www.MinnesotaMilitaryVeteranRealEstateAgent.com
