Family Life Cycle Position free essay sample

The dynamics of the â€Å"Family Life Cycle† are forever changing due to environmental factors around us. We live in a country that has legalized same sex marriages and the media glorifies a dysfunctional government. So this leads us to the â€Å"Nature vs. Nurture† debate. The â€Å"Nature vs. Nurture† dispute has been around for years. The issue is trying to determine which factors have the greatest influence on human behavior. Environmental factors such as: English as a second language, poverty, divorce, neglect and abuse may have an effect on a shaping a child’s behavior. All the above factors can adversely affect the stages in the family life cycle. The stages in the family life cycle and their description have significantly changed according to McGoldrick, Carter, Garcia-Preto (2011). The family life cycle is connected with two standards (emotional process of the transition: key principles and 2nd order changes in family status required to proceed developmentally) McGoldrick, Carter, Garcia-Preto (2011) is listed below. We will write a custom essay sample on Family Life Cycle Position or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Leaving home: Emerging young adults -Emotional process is accepting total responsibility for self financially and mentally -2nd order changes is characterized as a different view of self in relation to family of origin, development of intimate peer relationships, establishment of self in respect to work and financial independence, establishment of self in community and larger society and spirituality. At this stage, the young adult is attempting to define himself outside the family structure. He or she is finding out who they are, why they do what they do in contrast to family and the society in which they live. 2. Joining of families through marriage/union -Emotional process is accepting commitment to a new structure -2nd order changes are characterized by forming a new family system and reshaping the existing family members and friends. This stage is where the individual transition from a period of being an individual unit to marrying and connecting two separate families. Families with young children Emotional process adding new members to the union -2nd order changes is when the couple make changes for children, share household duties, realign all relationships taking in account the children This stage is when the young couple welcomes their children but change or adds relationship that would be beneficial for the children. 4. Families with adolescents -Emotional process is when the parents of teenagers become flexible in family rules and boundaries to foster independence and grandparents’ infirmities. 2nd order change occurs when the parent allow the adolescent to move freely (with boundaries) in the system, refocus of life and careers, caring for their parents, and a realignment with community and macro system. This is the stage where families deal with life changing events. I believe that if they aren’t able to adjust or cope with stressors that are present it can cause a break down in the family life cycle or changes in how they move through the remaining stage in the life cycle. 5. Launching children and moving on at midlife Emotional process is accepting a multitude of exist form and entries into the system. -2nd order changes occur when the couple reevaluates their relationship, a new relationship form between parents and their adult children. Also, this stage occurs when parent start dealing with sickness, disease and even the death or their parents (children’s grandparents). This stage brings with it other stressors. How a family handles the changes, determine what their next move would be. Life has many ups and downs; a family have to become resilient in life if not life will handle them. Families in late middle age Emotional process is to be tolerant with a shift in generational roles. -2nd order changes is maintaining your function and interests in face of physiological decline and an exploration of new familial and social role options. At this stage an individual or couple has to support of a more central role of middle generation. 7. Families nearing the end of life -Emotional process is dealing with reality and death -2nd order changes are coping with loss of loved ones and everything associated with death. Also, during this period a person has to have clear understanding that you are no longer a caretaker. In my opinion this is the hardest stage. Here you have to have a wisdom and knowledge of who you are and try to maintain your identity while relinquishing control of your life to your children or caretaker. You have to be strong mentally in dealing with death all around especially to people you spent you were closest to. Development starts at conception. I believe that parents have the greatest impact on a child growth and development. Children who are experience positive trusting relationships have a level of confidence needed to move through the life cycle.