Types of Families Family Life Cycle

FAMILY Consists of 2 or more people living in the same household.

NUCLEAR Married couple and their children ◦ Biological or adopted Adults partner to help with parenting and providing tasks.

SINGLE PARENT One parent & one or more children Result from ◦ Divorce, separation, death or unmarried Most commonly headed by mother Everything falls on parent; children may be given more responsibility than most Fewer resources

BLENDED FAMILY Consists of husband and wife, of whom one or both have been married before. Includes children from one or more previous marriages Parents share responsibility Children have more adult resources with added family Adjustments of step-parent/children

EXTENDED FAMILY ◦ Several generations of one family live together sharing home and family activities ◦ More adult role models ◦ Sometimes temporary

CHILDLESS FAMILY Husband & Wife no children More time and financial resources for couple

FAMILY LIFE CYCLE

BEGINNING- BEGINNING- Marriage, adjust as a couple Separation from parents Learn to work together and make decisions together

EXPANDING EXPANDING- 1 or more children, adjust to being a parent Less time for couple

PARENTING focus on rearing from infant thru teenage years Reorganize family around school-age children Parents recognize individual needs of each child Teens seeks independence

LAUNCHING LAUNCHING- help children move out Chidlren leave home for college, careers, & marriage Parents start to relate to son/daughter as adults

EMPTY NEST empty nest, new interests, grandchildren Children are all gone from home Renewal of spousal relationships Become grandparents Prepare for retirement

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT- enjoy leisure time, adjust to aging Focus on friendships, new interests, and hobbies