CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD, BOSTON – Aug. 27, 2007– As college freshmen leave home for the first time, parents across the country are experiencing similarly momentous changes in their lives. The prospect of being "empty nesters� can cause joy and angst—and it's not unusual for both emotions to exist simultaneously. To address parents' emotions and questions, Eons.com, the social network for spirited adults lovin' life on the flip side of 50, has created an online resource area within its site, to help and connect empty nesters with experts, community groups and member stories http://community.eons.com/microsite/school

Helpful Tips for Empty Nesters by Eons expert Beth Fredericks Eons.com Community Director Beth Fredericks, an empty nester herself, offers the following ten helpful tips for parents to consider as they face what can be a very tough transition.

1: Your attitude and expectations matter. If you expect pain and sadness, you're sure to find it. Manage your expectations and emotional state as much as possible; look for the positives, celebrate your success and feel the joy this new freedom can bring.

2: Maintain your connection. Extra attention to communication can help you and your adult child get through the first weeks and months of this transition. Establish regular communication either by phone, email, letters or simple, surprise gifts.

3: Create new fun. Branch out and learn something new; you now have opportunities to spend your time differently. Whether you have been a single parent or part of a couple, think creatively and engage in something new and exciting. Take ballroom dance lessons, revive your rusty piano skills, focus on losing that extra weight, take gourmet cooking lessons - this is the time to step out of your comfort zone!

4: Keep up with old friends in new ways. It may take a little extra work to stay connected with people you've met through your children, but you can create ways to deepen and expand friendships. Create a monthly dinner group, book group or club to stay connected.

5: Reconnect with your partner or spouse. When an adult child leaves home, many couples are surprised - and delighted - to find they have time to be a couple again, without the focus on children. Find activities that bring you together as a couple.

6: Single parents need support. If you are a single parent, make sure to tap your network of friends and family to be there for you. Make plans to connect for dinner or a long phone call. Try joining a group online for empty nesters – you'll be able to share and learn from your peers.

7: Appreciate your neat house and your full refrigerator! Your home may feel too quiet at times, but there won't be annoying clutter unless it's from you. Appreciate the positives brought by this change. You only have to pick up after yourself!

8: Be involved - appropriately - in your adult child's new life. If he or she is off at college, make it a point to learn some details about your child's experiences on campus. Read about the transition your child is going through as a college freshman so you'll be prepared to provide support through possible rough spots. Maintain your connection, but don't hover.

9: Give in to your feelings of loss - occasionally. At times, the quiet house may get to you. This is a major life transition; by giving in to your feelings, you can progress through this change.

10: Seek support if this is a difficult time. For some people, the intense feelings of loss can last longer than a couple of weeks. If you are having a hard time - if you are feeling very low - it's important to get help.
Contact a professional counselor or other helpful resources for support.

Fredericks reminds parents that the holidays will be here before they know it.
"Just as you're getting accustomed to your new living situation, your kids will likely be home for an extended visit. They've had a taste of independence and may want to be treated differently. Remember that this is a big transition for everyone. Have a conversation before they return home, so that both of you have better expectations about what might need adapting. Then you can enjoy one another's company without 'walking on eggshells' or dealing with conflicts. There is real joy in seeing your adult child grow up, accentuate the positive!� said Fredericks.

About Eons(TM)

Eons, Inc. a social portal which empowers a new generation of spirited boomers through interactive content, tools and community. Founded by Jeff Taylor, creator of Monster.com, Eons has attracted a team of renowned advisors and industry-leading partners and is backed by venture capital financing from General Catalyst Partners, Sequoia Capital, Charles River Ventures and Intel Capital, as well as Humana, Inc. It is supported by corporate founding partners Harrah's Entertainment, Humana, Inc., Liberty Mutual Group, Fidelity and Verizon Wireless. Eons is headquartered in Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. For more information about Eons, visit
http://www.eons.com

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