What is the first stage of the family life cycle?

Concept:

The family life cycle:

• The family life cycle adopts a longitudinal view of family life.
• It is based on the recognition of successive phases and patterns as they happen over the years.
• The family life cycle generally consists of seven stages.

Explanation:

Early family:

• A married couple without children.
• It is the stage of family founding.
• The first stage begins with the establishment period.
• It all starts with marriage and lasts until the first child is born.

 Thus, early family is the first stage of the family life cycle.

Additional Information

Other stages of the family life cycle:

• Second stage: Child-bearing family.
• Third stage: Family with preschool-age children.
• Fourth stage: Family with school-age children and adolescents.
• Fifth stage: Family launching young adults into higher education/work.
• Sixth stage: Middle-aged parents with grown-up/married children.
• Seventh stage: Ageing couple—retirement to death of both spouses.