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Family life cycle

The family life cycle is the emotional and intellectual stages a person passes through from childhood to the retirement years as a member of a family.

The family life cycle consists of several developmental stages:

  • Independence
  • Coupling or marriage
  • Parenting
  • Launching adult children
  • Retirement or senior stage of life

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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