Chapter 2 Your Family 41
Section 2-3
Families Face Change
Objectives
After studying this section, you will be able to
• identify the stages of the family life cycle.
• give examples of changes that may occur within each stage of the
family life cycle.
• describe crises that can cause families to change.
• assess techniques that family members can use to help them cope with
or adjust to change.
Families change through the years. They very seldom stay the same,
especially if a couple has children. There are other changes, however, that not
all families will face. A life change is any event that causes signifi cant change in
the way you manage your life. Many factors have an impact on life changes.
Situations such as birth, death, accidents, divorce, or job loss can signifi cantly
change your life. Because the choices you make have consequences, they also have
the potential to change your life. These changes may require special coping skills.
The Family Life Cycle
Many families go through
similar changes that are a normal
part of life. These changes occur
in six basic stages that make up
the family life cycle.
The fi rst stage in the family
life cycle is the beginning stage. It
generally begins when a couple
decides to marry. They establish a
home and learn to get along with
each other. They have time to pursue
interests. Both husband and wife
may have jobs outside the home.
family life cycle
empty nest
crisis
chronic
grief
substance abuse
domestic violence
shelters
telephone hotlines
support groups
Key Terms
A Ceremony in India
As part of the wedding ceremony in India, the
bride’s mother and father wash the couple’s feet with
water and milk in order to purify them for the journey of
their new life together. During the ceremony, the couple
holds grains of rice and oats and green leaves in their
hands to signify good health, wealth, and happiness.
Global Connections
Refl ect
Activity