1. Family Life Cycle
Family Life
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2. On your own, brainstorm some steps a couple goes through in a life time. Then get with a partner and compare lists.

3. Family Life Cycle
Right now you are part of your parents life cycle, when you get married you will start your own
Each stage has its challenges and rewards

4. Stage 1 – Newly Married Life on their own and provide for themselves
Takes on new roles
Husband and wife
New responsibilities
Couple needs to develop communication and solve problems
Set goals
Plan for the future

5. Stage 2 – Early Parenthood
Pregnancy and the birth of first child start this stage
Role adjustments
Mother and father vs childless couple
Understand child development
Budgeting for needs
Complex relationships as more children are born
Need flexibility
Most time is spent at work and parenting
Time alone is precious but NEEDED!!!!
Video clip from Parenthood

6. Rewards of Parenting Seeing children grow and learn
Communication leads to trust or mistrust
Relationships grow stronger
Grandparents can help with parenting

7. Later Parenthood Occurs when children reach teen years Role adjustents
Puberty in adolescence (from child to young adult)
Teen takes on responsibility
Parents responsible until you turn 18
Conflicts can occur
Children demand freedom
Dating, choice of clothing, and friends

8. Rewards Communications is vital; decision making
Use of empathy, keeps channels open
Respect keeps relationships growing

9. What challenges does a family go through between early parenthood and later parenthood?

10. Stage 4 – Empty Nest When all children are gone (Praise Jesus!!!)
No more dependents
Children are responsible for themselves
Often get married
Role adjustments
Still involved but significantly less
May be grandparents
This stage may seem lonely
Empty nesters may need to care for their parents
Financially
Physical care
A chance to renew their relationship

11. With a partner discuss some changes that a couple goes through from parenthood to empty nest?

12. Stage 5 – Retirement Stage
After both spouses enter retirement
Planning for retirement is very important
A time to focus on themselves, hobbies, volunteer work, travel, or leisure
Coping with this stage can be hard
Low self-esteem, meant to work
Health and financial worries

13. Retirement Stage Cont’
Death of a spouse
Death of one partner ends the life cycle
Return to single living
Challenges
Emotional loss
Adjusting to life style
Personal freedoms (income, health, self-esteem)
Where to live
Staying active

14. Government Assistance
Social Security
Medicare
Meals-assistance