The Family Cycle

Question 1

What is a life cycle

Answer 1

The specific stages of development through which an individual goes from the beginning of life to death is known as the life cycle.

Question 2

The family life cycle

Answer 2

Is the series of changes a family may go through over time. The chronological development of the family life cycle explains the phases of the development through which a family passes as it becomes established, expands and then contracts. It also explains the structure, functions, experiences, societal roles and expectations associated with these phases.

Question 3

What are the stages in the family life cycle. List

Answer 3

The beginning
The expanding
The contracting

Question 4

Beginning stage

Answer 4

Marriage or other unions
Setting up of house
Getting to know each other
Development of family goals
Adjustment to living together
Pursuit of family goals
High demand on income

Question 5

Expanding Stage (Child bearing and pre school)

Answer 5

Full nest begins
Reorganization of roles and relationships to cater for needs of infants and pre schoolers
Financials dependent children
High demand on income
Adjustment to living together continues

Question 6

Expanding stage (school age)

Answer 6

• reorganization of the family to fit into the expanding world of school agers
• pre adolescents
• elementary and high school
  -full nest
  -increased family expenditure on consumerism
  -financially dependent children
  -higher demand on income

Question 7

Expanding stage (adolescence)

Answer 7

• loosening of family ties to permit greater freedom and heavier responsibility to members
• tertiary studies
• full nest begins Reorganization
• increased family expenses

Question 8

Expanding stage (beginning of the transitioning or launching of young adult)

Answer 8

• divorce
• in laws
• remarriages
  -decreased demand on income

Question 9

Contracting stage (post parent)

Answer 9

-single survivor
-full nest becomes empty
-period of financial recovery

Question 10

Contracting stage (retirement)

Answer 10

• grandparents
• pensioner
• care and protection needs increased

Question 11

Challenges & solutions - the beginning stage

Answer 11

Challenges
Adjusting to living together, sexual compatibility , adjusting to in laws

Managing
Effective communication and compromises
Professional guidance and advice
Exercising patience, love and mutual respect

Question 12

Challenge & solutions - the expanding stage

Answer 12

Challenges
Miscarriages
Infidelity
Being able to finance the child

Managing
Strong support from grandparents, in laws, friends and the wider community.
Patience, hope and good support from eachother .
Effective conflict management skills

Question 13

Challenges and solutions- expanding stage (parents)

Answer 13

Challenges experienced by parents
Loneliness due to the empty nest
The need for independence
Health issues

Managing
Developing effective relationships with grandchildren.
Refocusing their lives on marriage without children or life without a spouse.
Seeking professional help.

Question 14

Challenges and solutions- contracting stage (children)

Answer 14

Challenges
Being responsible for their parents while dealing with their own family and other interests.
Focusing on beginning and maintaining their own marriages.
Inability to cope with some of the characteristics and problems by the elderly.

Managing
Working with other siblings to get their cooperation.
Seeking professional assistance.
Planning the care of their parents