Stage 2: Childbearing Families Flashcards
What is the period which Stage 2: Childbearing Families take place?
From birth of 1st child until that child is 2 ½ years old
What are the Developmental Tasks for Stage 2: Childbearing Families?
a. Adjusting marital system to make space for children.
b. Joining in child rearing, financial and household tasks
c. Realignment of relationships with extended family to include parenting and grand parenting roles
d. Adjusting to increased family size and providing a positive developmental environment
What positions in the families does Stage 2: Childbearing Families affect?
Wife/ mother
Husband/ father,
Infant(s)
What is the Emotional Process of Transition (key principle) for Stage 2: Childbearing Families?
Accepting new member into the system
What are the 3 second order changes in Stage 2: Childbearing Families?
a. Adjusting marital system to make space for children.
b. Joining in child rearing, financial and household tasks
c. Realignment of relationships with extended family to include parenting and grand parenting roles
What are the issues and challenges in Stage 2: Childbearing Families?
The first crisis of this stage:
• preparing for and adapting to the birth of the child
• resolving conflicts regarding commitment
• fears associated with becoming a parent
• conflict about caretaking roles that may threaten the existence of the marriage.
After birth of the child:
• former lifestyles change, has less time for themselves or each other, less money, and more responsibility compared to time when parents had the opportunity for self-indulgence, career development, and couple bonding.
• Challenges with night feedings, colic, and diaper changing disrupts sleep patterns.
Requires adjustment by both parents (Realignment of relationships with extended family to include parenting and grand parenting roles)
• the strain on the couple’s relationship may result in one or both parents feeling neglected or misunderstood by the other. Meeting the needs of one’s child as well as one’s partner requires much effort even when the child is wanted.
