As Boomers Downsize, Kids Don’t Want Their Heirlooms

A time-honored tradition is for older generations to pass some of their household goods and personal effects to younger generations. The tradition is drawing to a close in many families, according to this article. It says the Boomers are downsizing to smaller homes and asking which of their effects tehir children and grandchildren. They’re learning that the younger generations want few if any of the goods.

“It’s happening in the context of downsizing,” he said. “Your world was expanding, and now it’s beginning to shrink. What goes along with this kind of move is a life review, asking what’s next? Am I going to be useful? Will my life have meaning?”

In some cases, downsizing seniors understand why their children don’t want the heirlooms they’re trying to pass down, but that doesn’t always make it easier.

Indeed, after years of watching her interior design clients deal with the disappointment that comes when a child says “no,” Leslie Fine found herself in a similar situation.