Family Life Cycle

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What is the Family Life Cycle?

• Emotional and intellectual stages you pass through from childhood to retirement

• There are challenges that help to develop or gain new skills.

• Situations such as severe illness, financial problems, or the death of a loved one can have an effect on how well you pass through the stages.

Question

• Do you think moving from one stage to the next is an easy process?

Do I have to pass them all?

• You may not master the skills, but still move to the next cycle.

• Difficulty with relationships and future transitions.

• This Theory states successful transitioning may help prevent disease and emotional or stress-related disorders.

Stage One: Independence stage

• Most critical stage• Separate emotionally from your family• Learn to support yourself emotionally,

physically, socially, and financially• Develop unique qualities and

characteristics that define your individual identity.

• Intimacy is the ability to develop and maintain close relationships that can endure hard times and other challenges.

Stage Two: Couple Stage

• Married couples• Couples grow closer as they get

to know one another in a deeper way.

• Establish a home and new goals together

• Interdependence. Sharing a life together

• Communication is key

Stage Three: Expanding stage

• Arrival of a new baby.• Beginning stage of parenthood• Couple adjusts to new roles

Stage Four: Developing Stage

• Children grow and parents work to meet their needs

• The focus is socialization and independence of children

Stage Five: Launching Stage

• Children leave home to support themselves

• Parents help their children adapt to life on their own

• Graduation signals independence in their life

Stage Six: Middle Stage (empty nest)

• When their children have already left home

• Couples renew their relationship and prepares for retirement.

• May have time and money for other interest

• Energy levels drop

Stage Seven: Retirement Stage

• Couple stops working full time• More free time/ VACATIONS :)• Slower pace but still enjoy each

others company• Grandparents