Family Life Cycle Model

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2. Family Life Cycle Model Outline Stage 1 – The unattached young adult This stage is characterised by the emotional change from the reliance on the family to acceptance of emotional and financial responsibility for ourselves. Second-order changes include differentiation of self in relation to family of origin. This means we neither blindly accept what our parents believe or want us to do, nor do we automatically respond negatively to their requests. Our beliefs and behaviours are now part of our own identity, though we will change and refine what we believe throughout our lives. Also, during this period we develop intimate peer relationships on a deeper level than we had previously and become financially independent. Parents have to be mindful of letting go of control and power, while continuing to offer support and connection. It can be difficult for parents to accept that someone can love their child just as much as they do, but the family of origin has to learn to separate their own expectations and personal issues regarding achievement from their child. Stage 2 – The newly married system The major emotional transition during this phase is through commitment to the new system. Marriage requires that two people renegotiate issues that they or their families defined beforehand. Each will bring their personal ideas, expectations and values that they learned from their families while growing up. This will form the basis of the new family blueprint for the newly married couple. Some couples, who might have shared the same sort of background, could make a conscious decision to great a new family model because they were uncomfortable with the family life they experienced. Second-order change involves the formation of a marital system and realignment of relationships with extended families and friends that includes our spouses. Marriage symbolises a change in
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