Stage 1- Individual

Young Adulthood Separate from the family and gets ready to live independently Develops career skills, takes care of his or her responsibilities, and learns to make financial decisions. Lizo Junior at Iowa State o What problems does she face? Solutions

Stage 2- Marriage
Couple blends their expectations, values, and vision of the future. They learn about commitment and setting mutual goals. Learning to communicate, listen, and solve problems together enables them to cooperate to complete tasks. Lizo o o o Meets Joe Fall in love Get married- Destination wedding in Key West, FL What problems do they face as a new couple? Solutions.

Stage 3- Childbearing
When children are added to a family, a couple must adjust to their new roles as parents. Meeting infants needs: physically, and emotional needs while taking care of themselves and nurture their relationship. Learn to deal with the physical and emotional stress-and joy- of integrating new member into family. Liz & Joeo Married for 3 years o Liz delivers Lil Joey at 9 lbs 7 oz o What problems do they face with a new child? Solutions.

Stage 4- Parenting
Parents communication to each other and their commitment, problem solving, and decision-making skills become very important. Childs health and development often depend on the parents ability to provide a safe, stable, and loving environment. Parenting adolescents can be especially challenging. Help teens gain independence gradually. Establish boundaries to support teens and keep them safe. Liz & Joe & Lil Joey & Lil Lizzy & Timmyo Liz and Joe welcome two new children: Lil Lizzy (6) and Timmy (3) o Lil Joey enters high school o What problems do they face as a new couple? Solutions.

Stage 5- Launching
Begins when first child leaves the home and ends when the last child leaves. Children leave gradually, as parents support and encourage them. Parents steps back and let them venture out, but yet return for family support. Parents spend less time thinking of their kids needs and more on their own. Liz & Joe & Lil Joey & Lil Lizzy & Timmyo Lil Joey leaves for college o Lil Lizzy& Timmy both leave for college o What problems do they face as a new couple? Solutions.

Stage 6- Middle Years

Children leave and establish their own lives. Parents need to adjust to empty nest syndrome. They must learn to relate to their children as adults. Parents take time to renew their relationships, build careers, and develop new interest. Can be challenging for parents who might have neglected parts of their own development and marriage raising children. Responsibility for older parents. Liz & Joe & Lil Joey & Lil Lizzy & Timmyo Lil Joey just got engaged to Tabitha o Lil Lizzy is continuing on to grad school o Timmy is in last years of college o Liz and Joe took a trip to Hawaii to renew vows o While away Liz picked up a passion for scrapbooking. o Joes mother recently fell ill and now is in need of care daily from Liz and Joe o What problems do they face as a new couple? Solutions.

Stage 7- Senior Years

Look back at their lives and review all they have learned and experienced. Retire from jobs and enjoy life leisure. Some dont retire and enjoy part-time job or volunteer. Strength relationship with grandchildren. Liz & Joe & Lil Joey & Lil Lizzy & Timmyo Joey and Tabitha welcome two little boys o Lil Lizzy& Timmy both marry to their college sweethearts. o Liz retired form her job at 3M and works summer at Adventureland. o Joe retired and enjoys working on cars. o They spend lots of time with their grandchildren and tell them exciting stories of their parents and past. o What problems do they face as a new couple? Solutions.