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| Marriage and family |
As the young adult proceeds to other life
challenges connected with the family, he goes through Eight stages, which a family progresses from marriage
of the couple to death of both. He orients the stages around the development of
the traditional family structure. It is important to note that each stage has
tasks for the couple-family unit and for the development of the children.
Honeymoon stage spans the start of the marriage to the birth of the first child,
including establishment of a new household and the beginning of the family. Defining
role and rules within the marriage and Planning
for the possibility of having children.
Child-bearing and Rearing stage: This
stage begins with the birth of the first child and lasts until the child is 30
months of age. Couples become parents, as well as husbands and wives. Spouse
may become jealous of the time each spends nurturing and taking care of the
infant and in the process the two may grow apart and become more distant. Having,
adjusting to, and encouraging development of the infant and Establishing a
satisfying home for parents and infant
Family with Pre-school Children: This
period covers the years from the time the oldest child is 2.5 years old until
the younger child is 5 years old. The challenge at this stage involves
developing effective parenting skills to help the child learn how to interact
productively with others. Adapting
to critical needs and interests of pre-school child, Meeting the needs of
additional children while continuing to meet those of the first born and etc.
Family with School-aged Children: The
time from when the oldest child is 6 years of age until the child turns 13
years of age is considered the school-aged stage. At this stage family members
must learn to renegotiate boundaries and assigned roles. The family becomes
more vulnerable to outside feedback due to the child’s involvement with school
and community activities. Encouraging
the child’s educational achievement and maintaining a satisfying marital
relationship
Family with Teenagers: This
time period begins when the old child is 13 years of age and ends when the
youngest child is 20 years of age or leaves home. The family’s attention at
this period is usually focused on outside activities. The teenagers challenge
the traditional family systems in order to establish their own identity and at
the same time parents confront their own mid-life crisis. Balancing teenagers
freedom with responsibility as they mature and emancipate from the family
Launching Centre Family:
This period covers the years between the time the first child leaves home and
the last child leaves home. Parents and children must separate physically and
emotionally from one another. Releasing young adults into lives of their own
with appropriate rituals and assistance and Building a new life together as a
couple.
Middle Aged Family: This
phase refers to the years from the time the last child leaves home to the
retirement or death of one of the spouses. This stage of family life is sometimes
known as the empty-nest syndrome. The couples are left with themselves to rebuild
the marriage relationship.
Aging Family: This
period lasts from the retirement of one or both members of the couple through
the death of one of the spouses ending with the death of the remaining spouse. The
parents face physical decline but have a wealth of experience and wisdom to
share with family members. Adjusting to retirement and Coping with bereavement
and living alone
Each
stage has got its own challenges, difficulties and benefits. It is the normal
growth of the family life. Individuals must cherish each stage in its fullness.
Frustrations are bound to come when people live together. Experience is the
best teacher in the family life, yet the individuals must understand the
significance and place the priorities of the family in the first place.
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