Empty Igloo Syndrome

You’re a Baby Boomer. And empty-nester after summer…again. Your kids are back off to college which, once again, leaves your house full of echoes and past summer memories. The kids are young adults now and most likely are in the phase of transferring out of the childhood home and are taking up places of residency in their college town.

Now that you’re officially an empty-nester, you’ve entered into another phase of your life whether you realize it or not. A lot of huge decisions need to be made about the space you live in and how frequently you’ll see the kids. But take a deep breath and realize that this also bring a sense of freedom. You can do what YOU really want to do now. You don’t need a big place anymore for your entire family to grow up in–you’re past that now.

“But what if my kids come home and want to stay for a week? I need space to accompany them!” Good! That’s great your kids still want to visit home after you’ve been calling them each day and texting them to remind them to eat their vegetables–which they don’t need reminders for anymore. Pull out the couch, give them the guest room, but don’t hold onto that big house just for when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around.

Empty Igloo Syndrome is a serious health concern affecting many Baby Boomers and empty-nesters. Common symptoms of EIS include:

• Staying up late sobbing
• Staring at photo albums
• Constant calling and checking in on children
• A sense of freedom

…And the most damaging…

Consider downsizing–not downgrading. This is the time when you should be doing what you want to do–not holding onto your mansion just in case you’ll need the space for some event/weekend/holiday/etc.. Besides, that’s what guest bedrooms are for. The kids are gone now and are in school or have even graduated and are living somewhere by themselves eating Ramen half naked on the couch on football Sunday as they cheer for their favorite team as the smoke alarm goes off because they forgot they had a pizza in the oven. They’re fine. Are you?