Title: Analyze the interrelationship between career path decisions and individual/family life decisions throughout the family life cycle.
Course: Family and Human Services II (19999-II) > Section: Balancing Work and Family

Analysis should include

- identifying the stages of the family life cycle
  - coupling
  - 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 policies such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What factors influence work and family goals and principles?
- How have traditional family roles changed in the past three decades?
- In what ways do work and family goals differ within various family structures?

Communication

- What is the role of communication in managing work and family responsibilities?
- How can individuals communicate their goals and values about work and family?
- How can communication skills help a family that has trouble balancing work and family responsibilities?

Leadership

- What is the relationship between family members’ incomes and household responsibilities?
- How can technology help balance work and family responsibilities?

Management

- What management skills are essential for achieving and maintaining a balance of work and family roles?
- How can conflicts between work and family responsibilities be resolved?
- How might work and family roles change in the future?