1. FAMILY LIFE CYCLE

2. NEWLYWEDS
A couple marrying begins a new family. It is the first stage of the Family Life Cycle.
Adjustments: Getting to know your spouse’s living habits

3. FOUNDING
The next stage of the Family Life Cycle is when the first child is born.
Adjustment: Babies require a lot of time, attention, and financial commitment.

4. GROWING
The third stage of the life cycle is when more children are born.
Adjustment: Children become active in many activities requiring much attention.

5. TEENAGE
The next stage of the Family Life Cycle is when children have reached their teens.
Adjustments: Very busy. Some teens are rebellious. Peer pressure has great influence.

6. LAUNCHING
Children begin to leave home to attend college, join the armed services or workforce, or get married.
Adjustments: Some children do not want to leave home. Parents miss them.

7. EMPTY NEST
All the children have left home and parents are once again alone as they were when first married.
Adjustments: Home is very quiet. Parents may feel they have no purpose without children.

8. RETIREMENT
The couple has reached the age and financial security when they no longer must work. It is a time when the couple can enjoy life, taking vacations, traveling, volunteering.
Adjustments: Financial security, Health Issues

9. Family Life Cycle

10. Life is Not Perfect! What can interfere with the natural progression
of the Family Life Cycle?
*Death of a child or parent
*Some children never leave home
*Divorce
*Couple has no children
*Re-marriage of parents- begin new family
*Child or Parent has disability
*Financial Insecurity