Question

Any family is really many families as it changes over time. Consider how families typically change as people move through the life course. What are the major traits of family life beginning with courtship, settling in to marriage, child rearing, and later life? What special opportunities and challenges can you see in each stage?

Answer 1

Independence Following are the stages of family life cycle: Independence - During this stage one need to to work on areas such emotions. finance, social , health , sexual orientation in order to strive for the family. Hence this is the most critical stage. Intimacy is most important skill in these areas which helps in developing commitement

Coupling Stage Here is the period when one choses life partner, builts relationship. A person may get attracted to a person based on common goals, emotional grounds, wave length. Marraige again is the new turn in family system, where one introduces the life partner to his/her family, friends, social circle etc. Here being commiteed, problem solving skills etc is very important in order to have less stress

Parenting - It is sometimes about seeing finances, or relationship to have a baby. It is about talking emotional and physical concerns with doctors, physician. The more supportive the parents are towards each other the more emotional balanced is the baby. This stage is a long journey from turning them from babies to grown ups, till they settle independently.There is tremendous struggle, love moments. But the trust and intimacy is most important in order to be steady. One may also face physical problems such any diease, BP, sugar etc. Now it is the entire family including child to take care of each other and see that everybody is happy.

Retirement Stage This can be about welcoming new family members, or becoing a grand parent. One may experience decline in physial and mental strength. Sometimes it is also about dealing with finances and new other family members. Specific goals can help in being happy through out any stage. Making room for self and others, give time socially and hobbies. Dealing with loss of partner or sibling. Reviewing life and reflecting on what has been learned