Multiple Roles Multiple Roles Parents PlayParents Play

Throughout Throughout the the

Family Life Family Life CycleCycle

Stages in the Family Stages in the Family Life CycleLife Cycle

Married CoupleMarried CoupleCouple with preschool childrenCouple with preschool childrenFamilies with school age childrenFamilies with school age childrenLaunching (Children leaving home)Launching (Children leaving home)Empty Nest (No children left at Empty Nest (No children left at

home)home)AgingAging

Married CoupleMarried Couple Establishing roles within the Establishing roles within the

family:family:1.1. Learning to be a familyLearning to be a family2.2. Establishing roles as husband Establishing roles as husband

and wifeand wife3.3. Decision makers Decision makers

Couple w/ Couple w/ PreschoolersPreschoolers

Play the roles of:Play the roles of:1.1.Nurturers (Caregivers)Nurturers (Caregivers)2.2.ProtectorsProtectors3.3.TeacherTeacher4.4.Doctor/nurseDoctor/nurse5.5.PlaymatePlaymate

Couple w/ School Couple w/ School AgeAge

Roles include:Roles include:1.1.Nurturers (Caregivers)Nurturers (Caregivers)2.2.ProtectorsProtectors3.3.TeacherTeacher4.4.Doctor/nurseDoctor/nurse5.5.CookCook

6.6.DriverDriver7.7.Counselor & CoachCounselor & Coach8.8.Activities DirectorActivities Director9.9.And moreAnd more

LaunchingLaunchingRoles may include:Roles may include:1.1.Counselor/AdvisorCounselor/Advisor2.2.FriendFriend3.3.Supporter & Supporter &

ConfidantConfidant

Empty NestEmpty NestRoles are similar Roles are similar

to the launching to the launching cycle but may cycle but may also include:also include:

1.1.GrandparentGrandparent

AgingAgingMay still fulfill May still fulfill

some of the some of the same roles as same roles as in earlier in earlier stages of the stages of the family life cyclefamily life cycle

Roles may Roles may become become reversed with reversed with the children the children taking on the taking on the role of role of caregivercaregiver

For DiscussionFor Discussion1.1.As the family life cycle As the family life cycle

continues into aging, what continues into aging, what roles do you see parents roles do you see parents playing? What about their playing? What about their grown children?grown children?

2.2.How would roles differ for How would roles differ for families who remain childless?families who remain childless?