Family Life Cycle and Family Structures

Family Life Cycle Beginning Family = Newly weds Child Bearing Family = expanding Parenting family = developing Launching family = middle age Mid years family = pre retirement age 55 – 64 Aging family = retirement 65 and over

Prepare to adjust to Parenthood Retirement Couple stops full-time Beginning Stage Couple works to est. a home &marriage Expanding Stage Prepare to adjust to Parenthood Retirement Couple stops full-time work & adjust to having more FREE TIME!  Developing Stage Parents work to meet children’s needs & help them develop independence Launching Stage Children gradually leave home to support themselves… with the help of parents. Middle Age - AKA: “Empty Nest” Stage Couple renews their relationship & prepares for retirement.

Family Life Cycle Beginning Family = Newly weds

Family Life Cycle Child Bearing Family = expanding

Family Life Cycle Parenting family = developing

Family Life Cycle Launching family = middle age

Family Life Cycle Mid years family = pre retirement age 55 – 64

Family Life Cycle Aging family = retirement 65 and over

Family life cycle may vary. . People choose not to marry Spouse may die Couples may not have children Families skip, overlap or repeat stages Second marriages may change stage May be in two stages at one time

Family Structures Nuclear – two biological parents, biological children Advantages – 2 parents to offer support, 2 incomes (maybe) Disadvantages -??

Family Structures Extended – More than mom, dad, kids in home, example – grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles Advantages – extra babysitters, gain knowledge for elders, division of labor Disadvantages – additional authority figures, crowded, physical care of elderly, other?

Family Structures Single Parent – only one parent and children in home Advantages – only one authority figure, less parental conflict, closer bond with child Disadvantages – demanding, no one to share responsibilities with, lower income, (maybe)no second gender role model

Family Structures Blended – Adults with children from other relationships move in together with children ( his kids, her kids, and parents) Advantages – “instant” family, opportunity to be around kids Disadvantages – adjusting to others, different traditions, must share parents, who disciplines???

Family Structures Adoptive Extended – Parents/Parent and adoptive child Advantages – solution for couples who can’t have children Disadvantages – child may feel rejected by biological parent, short transition to parenthood

Family Structures Foster – temporary care parents and child/children Advantages – temporary care, safe home Disadvantages – children may have emotional/legal issues, competition with biological children for attention, not all foster situations good