Family Life Cycle

Change is a fact of life. Families will experiences changes all the

time Some changes may have a bigger impact

on a family then another Social Scientists have identified a general

pattern to describe how families grow and change over the year.

It is called Family Life Cycle

Change

Beginning Stage Parental Stage Launching Stage Middle age Stage Retirement Stage

Family Life Cycle Stages

As a couple establish a home in this stage They also learn about each other They devise systems for living happy

together Organizing finances Setting up a schedule for doing household

tasks

Beginning Stage

As the couple become parents and raise their children, many changes can occur

Parents teach and train their young children Often have less time for activities as a

couple (ex. Date night) As the children grow up, they state to share

in household responsibilities Also become more independent and begin

to prepare for their own adult lives

Parental Stage

Children leave home to support themselves and develop their own lifestyles

Family cycle begins for a new generation

Launching Stage

After children have left home, parents have time to focus on being a couple again

This stage is sometimes called “ Empty Nest”

During this time couples may also reassess their careers, take up hobbies, and become more active in the community

Middle Age Stage

Retirement may mean freedom for travel and leisure activities

Some people may find new work to supplement income

Adjusting to the aging process is necessary, often including:

- death of friends and/or spouses - Moving to a smaller home - Moving to a retirement facility

Retirement Stage

This cycle is very general, there are many variation to the Family Cycle

Grandparents may be raising the children, husband and wife had children later in life, divorce, and remarriage

What used to be a basic pattern of family development is now much more complicated

The Cycle has Changed

Families often struggle today because of the changing framework of the family

Events may not be as predictable as they once were

Some times families have to look for different methods of operating than earlier generations used to

Often have to work out new solutions to fit new situations

Continued