Unit 2: Building Stronger FamiliesPart 2: Family Life Cycle

© Jenison International Academy Melissa Rodgers

Family Life Cycle

• Families go through different stages as they grow, from marriage through retirement.

• When studying the Family Life Cycle, note the cycle changes based on the age of the oldest child in stages 2 – 6.

• The married couple established their home, but do not yet have children

Stage 1 - Newlywed

Me and my husband in 2009

• From birth of the first child until that child is 2 ½ years old.

Stage 2 - Expectant

• When the oldest child is between the ages of 2 ½ - 6 years old.

Stage 3 - Preschool

• When the oldest child is between the ages of 6 and 13 years old.

Stage 4 – School Age

• When the oldest child is between the ages of 13 and 20 years old.

Stage 5 - Teenage

• From the time the oldest child leaves the family for independent adult life until the time the youngest child leaves.

Stage 6 - Launching

• From the time the children are gone until the couple retires from employment.

Stage 7 – Empty Nest

• From retirement until the death of the surviving marriage partner.

Stage 8 – Aging and Retirement