THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE For intro to human studies

OBJECTIVES Identify the stages of the family life cycle. Identify challenges throughout the stages of life.

THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE While family structures vary, each structure includes basic stages of growth and development called the family life cycle. Studying the cycle can help people prepare for the challenges that may exist in their own families.

1-BEGINNING STAGE Families consist of a married couple. Couple make adjustments to marriage and form foundations for their future families. Challenges?

2-CHILDBEARING STAGE This stage includes the birth of the first child through the birth of the last child. Very busy stage since attention to the child is full time. If a parent cannot stay at home with the child, arrangements must be made so the child receives quality care. Challenges?

3-PARENTING STAGE Family continues to grow during the parenting stage. Parents provide for the children, while the children pursue their individual interests and school activities. Most expensive stage of the family life cycle. Challenges?

4-LAUNCHING STAGE When children begin to leave home and become independent of their parents. They may leave for college and continue after graduation in their chosen careers. Some marry and start their own families. Challenges?

5-MID-YEARS STAGE When all children have left and the couple is again independent. Couples enter their peak earning years and can spend more of their income on themselves. They may become grandparents at this stage. Challenges?

6-AGING STAGE Final stage. Begins at the time of retirement and continues until both spouses die. One spouse may live alone after the death of the other. Time may become devoted to lifelong interests at whatever pace is comfortable. Challenges?

CREATE A FAMILY LIFE CYCLE Draw what you think might be your future family life cycle. Predict and indicate at what age (or if) they think they might enter each of the stages.