Stage 5: Families with Teenagers

Question 1

What is the period for which Stage 5: Families with Teenagers take place?

Answer 1

Oldest child is between ages of 13 and 20

Question 2

What are the 4 Developmental Tasks in Stage 5: Families with Teenagers?

Answer 2

a. Dealing with teen independence through boundary adjustments
b. Adjusting to a new definition of personal autonomy
c. Rule changes, limit setting, role negotiation
d. Allowing and helping children to become more independent

Question 3

What is the EPT for Stage 5: Families with Teenagers?

Answer 3

Increasing flexibility of family boundaries to allow youth’s independence and grandparents’ frailties

Question 4

What are the 3 second order changes in Stage 5: Families with Teenagers?

Answer 4

a. Shifting parent-child relationship to balance freedom and limits
b. Refocusing on mid-life career and marital issues
c. Beginning shift toward caring for older generation

Question 5

What are the issues and challenges in Stage 5: Families with Teenagers?

Answer 5

Generally, the family’s task during this time is to help the young person to grow up and learn skills that will enable him or her to eventually leave the family. The parents assist the young person to develop habits required for work, including assuming greater responsibility and independence.

• The young person also is learning about sexual relationships, a process facilitated by the parents’ role of “sounding board.”
• Adjusting to a new definition of personal autonomy: Compliant children may suddenly develop an independent style of logic seemingly contradictory to the facts.
• Rule changes, limit setting, role negotiation/ Dealing with teen independence through boundary: Parents may feel uncomfortable or threatened when challenged by children who in the past were obedient, loving, and accepting of parental guidance and direction.
• The rapid changes suggest that the role of parents during this stage is different from that of previous stages.
• Supporting the teens (Allowing and helping children to become more independent):
• Teens require support and encouragement during this time. The difficulty for parents is to support the youngster’s struggle for independence and maturity while providing necessary structure.
• Their role is more to provide support when needed and back away when they are not needed. Wise parents do not intrude except in cases of need, painful as this often may be to all concerned.
• Staying longer or leaving early:
• Young people in middle-class families are inclined to live with their parents longer because of greater educational demands, lack of employment opportunities, and overall economic difficulties.
• In other families, young people are leaving prematurely, running away from home, leaving school early, and working in low-paying, unskilled jobs.