2.  Change is a fact of life.  Families will experiences changes all the time  Some changes may have a bigger impact on a family then another  Social Scientists have identified a general pattern to describe how families grow and change over the year.  It is called Family Life Cycle

3.  Beginning Stage  Parental Stage  Launching Stage  Middle age Stage  Retirement Stage

4.  As a couple establish a home in this stage  They also learn about each other  They devise systems for living happy together Organizing finances Setting up a schedule for doing household tasks

5.  As the couple become parents and raise their children, many changes can occur  Parents teach and train their young children  Often have less time for activities as a couple (ex. Date night)  As the children grow up, they state to share in household responsibilities  Also become more independent and begin to prepare for their own adult lives

6.  Children leave home to support themselves and develop their own lifestyles  Family cycle begins for a new generation

7.  After children have left home, parents have time to focus on being a couple again  This stage is sometimes called “ Empty Nest”  During this time couples may also reassess their careers, take up hobbies, and become more active in the community

8.  Retirement may mean freedom for travel and leisure activities  Some people may find new work to supplement income  Adjusting to the aging process is necessary, often including: - death of friends and/or spouses - Moving to a smaller home - Moving to a retirement facility

9.  This cycle is very general, there are many variation to the Family Cycle  Grandparents may be raising the children, husband and wife had children later in life, divorce, and remarriage  What used to be a basic pattern of family development is now much more complicated

10.  Families often struggle today because of the changing framework of the family  Events may not be as predictable as they once were  Some times families have to look for different methods of operating than earlier generations used to  Often have to work out new solutions to fit new situations