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Part Five Dimensions of Families
experiences new levels of sharing and growing. Each additional
child brings more challenges and responsibilities, but also more
possibilities for love.
Parents with young children often experience role conflicts. They
have to decide how to balance the roles of spouse and parent. One or
both will also have the role of wage earner. Marriage partners have to
communicate and make mutual decisions about how to handle their
many responsibilities.
Parenting Stage
The main goal in this stage is reorganization of the family to fi t the
expanding world of school-age children. Parents need to recognize the
individual needs of each child. Blending these individual needs and
sharing family goals can bring both joys and pressures.
Children also become involved in many activities outside the home.
Parents spend much of their time taking children to school, lessons,
practices, and social events.
Parenthood during the adolescent years calls for increasing
parental fl exibility as children become more independent. A major
family goal is to provide children with increased freedom and
responsibility as they mature.
Learning how to blend assignment of responsibilities with teens’
growing needs for independence is a challenge for parents. Some
parents may fear losing their authority or control. At the same time,
parents may be experiencing new stresses in their lives. Career demands
often reach a peak at this time.
Launching Stage
During the launching stage, children leave the family home to
pursue education and career goals or establish families of their own.
Thus, the major family goal is reorganization of the family as members
leave (and perhaps return temporarily).
As each child leaves, a void is felt. When the youngest child leaves,
the parents are alone again. This is a big adjustment for parents. Their
“on-the-job” parenting role may be over, but they feel continuing
involvement with their children’s lives. Parents have to learn to relate to
their sons and daughters as adults.
This stage offers still another opportunity for growth. As husband and
wife refocus on their marriage, they fi nd renewed needs for communication
and sharing. The couple learn to let their children live their own lives.
Parents have more leisure time and can pursue new interests.
The couple’s relationship often brings them increased satisfaction. If
they maintain their friends, hobbies, and other interests, these are years