Instead of explaining family life cycle, some candidates drew family 'Tree" Some candidates talked about the family from the time two people marry and until they retire.The word 'stages' is important in explaining characteristics of the various stages, some candidates just mentioned events that happen e.g. they get married start having children etc. The expected answers are as follows:

2 (a) Explanation of Family Life Cycle
Family Life Cycle are stages a family passes through. There are four stages:
    (i)         Beginning or establishing stage
    (ii)        Expanding stage
    (iii)       Contracting stage
    (iv)       Empty nest

(b) Characteristics of each stage of Family Life
       (i)         Couple adjusting to each other
       (ii)        Establishing the home
       (iii)       Saving for the new baby/planning for a family

(2) Expanding stage
        (i)         Child bearing
        (ii)        Child rearing and nurturing
       (iii)       Pressure on resources as a result of paying for children education and feeding a large family etc.  (3) Contracting Stage                           
        (i)     Planning for retirement
        (ii)        Gradual reduction of family size
        (iii)       Expenses become minimized/financial adjustment
        (iv)       Coping with the problems of growth and development in children.

(4) Empty nest     

 (i) All children leave home remaining only the husband and wife.
(ii) Reduction in strength of the couple
(iii) Reduction of pressure on all resources.