FAMILY LIFE CYCLE

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

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.

GROWING

The third stage of the life cycle is when more children are born.

Adjustment: Children become active in many activities requiring much attention.

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.

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.

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.

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

Launching

Empty Nest

Retirement Newlyweds

Founding

Growing

Teenage

Family Life

Cycle

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