Minneapolis/St. Paul Divorce Real Estate: Things to Do with Your Children During Home Showings

Selling A Home
Written By Shannon Lindstrom

Selling a marital home in Minneapolis or St. Paul during a divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. The process often requires frequent home showings to potential buyers, and while it’s an important step toward a fresh start, it can disrupt your children’s sense of routine and stability. Planning ahead can help transform these temporary inconveniences into opportunities for quality family time.

Below are thoughtful, local-focused ideas for what you and your children can do during home showings in the Twin Cities, while also helping to reduce stress during this transitional chapter.

Embrace the Outdoors

The Minneapolis–St. Paul metro offers countless opportunities to step outside and reset. If a showing is scheduled on a nice day, heading to a park can be a great way for your kids to enjoy some play while you get some fresh air.

  • Como Park (St. Paul): Explore the zoo and conservatory, which are free and provide a fun distraction for children of all ages.

  • Lake Harriet (Minneapolis): Walk around the lake, let your kids enjoy the playground, or grab a snack at the bandshell concession stand.

  • Minnehaha Falls Park: A short walk to the waterfall can feel like a mini adventure right in the city.

Visit a Family-Friendly Indoor Destination

Minnesota weather doesn’t always cooperate, especially in the fall, winter, and spring months. Having indoor options in mind can be a lifesaver.

Keep It Simple with Everyday Errands

Showings don’t always line up with your weekend plans or leisure time. If you can’t commit to a longer outing, consider tackling practical tasks that still help you get out of the house.

Create Calm with Short & Flexible Activities

Sometimes, you’ll only need to step out for 30 minutes. In those cases, simple and low-key activities can make a big difference:

  • Go for a short walk around the neighborhood together.

  • Spend time coloring or doing puzzles at a community center.

  • Treat your children to ice cream at Grand Ole Creamery or Sebastian Joe’s.

Turn It into a Parenting Opportunity

While the logistics of home showings are challenging, these moments offer children reassurance and connection. Explaining—in age-appropriate ways—why you’re leaving the house for buyers to visit can help them feel included rather than unsettled. Framing the time as an “adventure” or “family outing” can turn a potentially stressful situation into something fun and even memory-making.

Navigating divorce and selling the family home simultaneously can feel overwhelming. But with a plan in place, showings don’t have to be a source of tension. In fact, they can give you a much-needed chance to spend quality time with your children, explore the Twin Cities community, and create comforting routines in an otherwise uncertain period of transition.

If you’re considering selling your Minneapolis or St. Paul home during a divorce, working with a real estate professional who understands the unique challenges of divorce real estate can make the process smoother for everyone involved.

Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, CDRE®, MILRES, MRP, VCA
RE/MAX Results – Minneapolis & St. Paul Metro
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



Shannon Lindstrom

Shannon Lindstrom is a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®) handling the sale of real property in Family Law Cases in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Ms. Lindstrom is a reputable and accomplished Realtor known for her exceptional expertise in the real estate industry. In 2023, Ms. Lindstrom received her certification as a Divorce Real Estate Expert from the Ilumni Institute.

Ms. Lindstrom has established herself as a trusted advisor and resource for her clients. Armed with an in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, she offers invaluable insights to both sellers and buyers, ensuring they make informed decisions with the information provided. Her extensive experience allows Ms. Lindstrom to offer impartial opinions on complex divorce real estate issues.

Throughout her successful career, Ms. Lindstrom has built strong relationships with her clients, earning their trust through her transparent and honest approach. Her strong negotiation skills have led to numerous successful transactions and satisfied clients. Ms. Lindstrom is uniquely positioned to serve divorcing parties and their attorneys by offering her objective and neutral expert opinion in low and high conflict divorce matters involving real property.

https://www.MNDivorceRealEstateExpert.com
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