Family Life Cycle:
• A cycle in which a family grows and
changes over the years. It follows a
sequence of expansion and contraction.
The stages are formed primarily by
decisions concerning parenting.

#1

# 1 The Beginning Stage
• Begins with marriage of a couple.
• Marriage establishes a family unit.
• Main goal of couple is to adjust to each
other and married life.
• Length of stage varies.
• Couples who do not have children stay in
this stage until the aging years.

#2

# 2 The Expanding Stage
• Couple is expecting first child.
• Become mother and father.
• Must now handle extra responsibilities of
parenting and conflicting demands on time
and energy.

#3

# 3 The Developing Stage
• Parenting
• Must meet the needs of each unique child,
but blend with the goals of the family.
• This brings joy and pressure to parents.
• Teen years must give teens more
responsibility and freedom.
• Goal of parenting is to let children go to
make their own important life decisions.

#4

# 4 The Launching Stage
• Children are “launched into life.”
• Children pursue education, career goals,
or begin their own families.
• Family must adjust as each family
member leaves.
• Couple must adjust their relationship.

#5

# 5 The Aging Stage
• Upon retirement couple enters aging
stage.
• Most adults work for 40-50 years.
• Can be a big adjustment.
• Many couples enjoy role of “grandparent.”

Source:
Parents and Their Children