Stages of the Family

Personal and Family DevelopmentMrs. R. McCann

Individual Stage

Individual 1st Stage Single people that have moved out into the

world on their own. Perhaps, they share living arrangements with a room mate. They are in school, the military or the work force. They can chose to remain single or find a spouse to marry.

Beginning 2nd Stage

Beginning stage

Marriage is the beginning of the Family Life Cycle. Couples set up a home together. They continue to work or continue their education. They blend their two

worlds, heritages, families and life styles.

Childbearing 3rd Stage

Childbearing Stage

The couple begins to have children and guide their children through the preschool and school-age years.

Parenting 4th Stage

Parenting StageChildren begin to develop interest outside the

home, attend school and begin working during this stage.

The couple is no longer having children, but raising the ones they have!

Launching 5th Stage

Launching Stage As the children leave the home to marry, begin

jobs, or attend school, a family will go through another series of changes.

Mid-Years 6th Stage

Mid-Years Stage During this stage the parents are still home,

but now they are alone. They continue to work. They also participate in their adult children’s lives more as friends and companions.

Retirement/Aging Last Stage

Retirement/Aging StageDuring this stage, the couple ages and retires. They possibly become grandparents.One spouse usually passes away