Any parent wishes to pass down love, wisdom, financial abundance, and maybe a few treasured family heirlooms. When you pass away, you leave behind fond memories, boxes of stuff for your children, and a new set of responsibilities.
However, despite our best intentions, there are certain things that heirs might not want to acquire when family members. This is an important aspect of future planning that we often neglect to consider.
Let’s review a few things that kids might not want to inherit from their parents. Many of them are subjective and based on personal preferences. Thus, simply talking to your kids about their interests and concerns can prevent you from passing on stuff they don’t want.
1. Debt
As much as your children may love you, no one dreams of inheriting your debts, big or small. Inheriting financial burdens can hinder your children’s financial stability and limit their opportunities.
Thankfully, debt isn’t typically something our children inherit since a parent’s estate will be responsible for covering any outstanding money owed. However, there are special circumstances that will reduce the amount of inheritance.
2. Old Books
A favorite childhood book may be on the list of books you want to inherit for your children. However, unless they ask for them or are college professors, they probably don’t really want your encyclopedia collection. Besides, people are now more inclined to read e-books online, which is a great way to reduce clutter.
It might be worth asking your kids if they’re interested in your books while you’re alive.
3. Silverware
Gone are the days when people took time to shine silverware until they saw their reflections on it; your children may not be very keen on your collection of antique silver cutlery.
4. Legal Issues
Legal matters can be frustrating as they can drag on for years. Passing on legal liabilities or unresolved legal issues can create stress and financial burdens for your children. It’s prudent to settle all legal matters when you still have the energy and ability to do it.
5. Figurines
The porcelain figurines from your honeymoon trip to Thailand may hold sentimental value for you, but your millennial and Gen-X kids probably won’t have much feelings for them. It’d be better to donate them to organizations that would value them.
6. Family Heirlooms with Negative History
Items with a negative history or association, such as old family photos of distant relatives with strained relationships or objects tied to difficult memories, may not be something your kids want to inherit. They likely want to keep the good memories and discard the rest when you are gone.
7. Outdated Clothing
Your Gen Xer or Millennial may not be interested in your grandma’s vintage wedding dresses. Old-school tuxedos or vintage clothing may not be helpful to younger individuals with different fashion preferences or lifestyles.
8. Vintage Furniture
Certain ancient artifacts are quite valuable, but others might not align with contemporary tastes or functional requirements. For example, kids with modern or minimalist tastes may not be suited to large, flamboyant furnishings.
9. Unresolved Family Conflicts
The children may not know what happened between Auntie Patricia and their mother, and leaving them in a relationship desert is not good. Passing on unresolved issues can strain relationships and negatively impact children’s emotional well-being. Forgiveness and explanations will go a long way to helping the family move on when you aren’t there anymore.
10. Grandma’s Embroidery
Handmade items might be quite nostalgic, but younger people might not value them as much or want to keep them on display in their homes. DIY lovers may find them intriguing and helpful, though.
11. Antiquated Technology
The VHS may have been the height of entertainment in your heyday, but younger generations that grew up with more sophisticated technology may not see the worth of old computers, VHS cassettes, cassette players, or other antiquated equipment. It’s best to recycle anything that isn’t of value.
12. Toxic Relationships
Children will automatically enter some relationships courtesy of their parents, but it’s the parents’ prerogative to ensure that the interactions aren’t toxic. Inheriting toxic relationship dynamics or patterns can influence how your children interact with others in their relationships.
13. Old or Outdated Décor
Your children might not like old or outdated home décor pieces like gaudy wallpaper, heavy curtains, or elaborate furniture that doesn’t match the current style. This is especially true if they have diverse tastes or live in smaller quarters where these pieces are unworkable.
14. Obsolete Kitchen Appliances
Old or rarely used kitchen gadgets and vintage appliances, like bread makers or specialty cooking tools, may not align with your children’s cooking habits or kitchen setups, especially if they prefer more modern, multifunctional devices. The retro refrigerators that used to last for eternity may not be a bad idea, though, if they don’t care that it isn’t stainless steel.
In the end, inheritance has more meaning than tangible goods. Therefore, it is important to be transparent with your kids about your intentions and what is important to you (and them).
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
