Dynamics of Marriage and Family

Dynamics of Marriage and Family 3(3+0)

Lesson 34: Family Life cycle

Family Life cycle

According to Duvall (1977) the family life cycle consists of 8 overlapping stages, these stages are characterized by different stages in the personality development of each individual, different family responsibilities and different degrees of satisfaction in marriage.

Life cycle by length of time in each eight stages.

1. Married couples without children.
2. Child bearing families’ oldest child – birth – 30 months.
3. Families with preschool children – 30 month to 6 years.
4. Families with school children – oldest child 6 – 13 years.
5. Families with teenagers – oldest child 13 – 20 years.
6. Families launching young adults – 1st to last child leaving home.
7. Middle aged parents – empty nest to retirement.
8. Aging family members – retirement to dead of both spouses.

Establishing a mutually satisfying marriage, couple begin initial adjustments. Recognize familiar habits and characteristics of each stage, Planning for pregnancy, parenthood and children are important tasks for any family.