Types of FamiliesFamily Life Cycle

FAMILYConsists of 2 or more people

living in the same household.

NUCLEARMarried couple and their children

◦Biological or adoptedAdults partner to help with

parenting and providing tasks.

SINGLE PARENTOne parent & one or more

childrenResult from

◦Divorce, separation, death or unmarried

Most commonly headed by mother

Everything falls on parent; children may be given more responsibility than most

Fewer resources

BLENDED FAMILYConsists of husband and wife, of

whom one or both have been married before. Includes children from one or more previous marriages

Parents share responsibilityChildren have more adult

resources with added family Adjustments of

step-parent/children

EXTENDED FAMILY◦Several generations of one family

live together sharing home and family activities

◦More adult role models◦Sometimes temporary

CHILDLESS FAMILYHusband & Wife no childrenMore time and financial resources

for couple

FAMILY LIFE CYCLE

BEGINNING-

BEGINNING- Marriage, adjust as a couple

Separation from parentsLearn to work together and make

decisions together

EXPANDING

EXPANDING- 1 or more children, adjust to being a parent

Less time for couple

PARENTINGfocus on rearing from infant thru

teenage yearsReorganize family around school-

age children Parents recognize individual

needs of each childTeens seeks independence

LAUNCHING

LAUNCHING- help children move out

Chidlren leave home for college, careers, & marriage

Parents start to relate to son/daughter as adults

EMPTY NESTempty nest, new interests,

grandchildrenChildren are all gone from homeRenewal of spousal relationshipsBecome grandparentsPrepare for retirement

RETIREMENTRETIREMENT- enjoy leisure time,

adjust to agingFocus on friendships, new

interests, and hobbies