Title: Identify the interrelationship between career path decisions and individual/family life decisions throughout the family life cycle.
Course: Introduction to Family and Human Services (19001-36) > Section: Balancing Work and Family

Identification should include

- identifying the stages of the family life cycle as
  - couple
  - expanding
  - developing
  - launching
  - middle
  - retirement
- explaining ways in which each stage influences career involvement (e.g., a job that allows a parent to be home when children are not at school), career choices, and the balancing of personal and career responsibilities (e.g., whether the career allows for time off to care for children or older parents)
- becoming aware of laws and policies, such as Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- In what ways does the family life cycle play a role in career decisions?
- Why is it important to understand the relationships between stages of the family life cycle and career patterns?
- What factors influence attitudes and beliefs about career involvement at different stages in the family life cycle?
- How can the family life cycle affect a person's professional life?

Communication

- Why are different communications skills helpful at different times along the family life cycle?
- How and why should one establish and develop professional goals with one's family?
- How would being in a particular stage of the family life cycle influence time spent at work and time spent with family?

Leadership

- How would being in a particular stage of the family life cycle influence opportunities for advancement?
- What leadership skills assist with professional and family decision making?
- Which stage of the family life cycle offers the most difficulty with balancing personal and career responsibilities?

Management

- How would being in a particular stage of the family life cycle influence the number of responsibilities at work and at home?
- What steps can be taken to prepare for changes in career patterns?
- How can the family prepare for difficult financial setbacks throughout each stage of the life cycle?