Management Of Family Resources

Lesson 39 : Energy Management

Energy In Different Stages Of Family Life Cycle

The energy demand of the home maker varies according to the stages of the family life cycle. Energy demands are usually lowest during Stage I, the beginning family stage. If the homemaker works outside the home, however, she must learn to divide her energy between the demands of her outside work and her home responsibilities. The busiest years for the homemaker occur during Stage II, the period during which the family is expanding. Young children require more care, and after the children start going to school, meeting all the family demands both inside and outside the home requires a great deal of energy.

When the children reach college age and begin to leave home, Stage III, the contracting stage, begins. As their energy loads lighten at home, many homemakers resume professional and outside interests. Helping married children, and welcoming new members to their families often brings additional responsibilities. During this stage, energy supply may diminish and physical disabilities may require the reshaping of energy spending patterns.