“Families are the foundation of our experience of the world, our first relationships, and are often where we first feel a sense of belonging to a group” (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020, p. 300). Individuals are developing through their own life cycle, while simultaneously being a part of the family life cycle. There are six stages to the family life cycle. The beginning of each stage brings new transitions that the family system must work through. At transition points, there is stress that can run high, as everyone must adapt to changes within the family system (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020). Incomplete tasks in the various stages can lead to dysfunction and conflict in the family until it is remedied. The family life cycle guides counselors in determining where a family may be stuck in development and how they can progress.

            Leaving home as a single young adult is the first transition in the family life cycle (Ballard, 2012). There are several changes to the family status that occur. The transition involves individuals accepting emotional and financial independence, and there is a differentiation of self in relation to the family system (Ballard, 2012). Differentiation of self is seen as emotional self-regulation to achieve autonomy and intimacy in relationships (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020). Parents with a high level of differentiation of self are more likely to have children with similar levels (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020). Differential of self has a positive association with marital satisfaction, family relations functioning and lower levels of familial conflict and violence (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020). The development of peer intimate relationships that are important during this stage may aid in differentiation of self.     

            In the second stage, two families are joined by marriage (Ballard, 2012). A new couple and dyad relationship is formed. They must navigate this new family system. The spouses must integrate their family and friends into their life with their new partner (Ballard, 2012). Each should communicate their needs and wants to the other spouse involving these extended relationships. Problems may arise in the relationship if the couple has difficulty completing these tasks (Barros et al., 2019). Successful couples will prioritize their new relationship while fostering the needs of each spouse.

            The third stage begins with the introduction of children (Ballard, 2012). The couple is now met with adjusting the marital system to meet the needs of children (Ballard, 2012). Where focus had been on the couple, space must now be made to include new members of the system. The couple will join in childrearing, financial, and household tasks, and there is a re-alignment in extended family relationships (Ballard, 2012). Romantic relations may be pushed to the background as conflicts over childcare and household chores may emerge (Barros et al., 2019). Success in negotiating previous stages will aid in the success of introducing children.

            Families with adolescents experience several changes. As the adolescent moves in and out of system there is a shifting of the parent child relationship (Ballard, 2012). Adolescent children seek greater independence while parents seeks to safeguard their children (Barros et al., 2019). A balance needs to be established to meet these needs. There is a refocus on midlife marital and career issues and a shift towards caring for aging grandparents (Ballard, 2012). These changes increase the need for flexibility in family boundaries.

            Where stage three was the entrance of new members to the family system, stage five is the accepting of members exiting the family (Ballard, 2012). During this stage, the marital system is restored as a dyad, adult relationships between parent and children are developed, and there is disabilities and death of the grandparents (Ballard, 2012). The launching of children is reciprocal as young adults renegotiate the self and parents shift their individual identities (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020). The success of this stage is important for adult children social and emotional development (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020). As the couple gradually reduces attention to their children, the couple can focus on their intimacy and companionship.

            During stage six, there is an accepting of shifting generational roles (Ballard, 2012). Being experienced in the previous stages, the couple can offer wisdom to the generations beneath them. They are met with maintaining functioning and interests (Ballard, 2012). They may deal with loss of spouse, siblings and peers and will seek support from the middle generation (Ballard, 2012). Satisfaction during this stage is affected by retirement, loss, dependency and illness (Peixoto-Freitas et al., 2020). They may spend time reflecting as this stage ends with the death of one of the spouses.