Creative Case Study #3
Option D
Consider the following: You are advising a CYC family support worker who is working with a family which includes a 45 year old mother, a 50 year old father, and a 16 year old daughter who has recently become a mother and is living at home with her parents and her baby.
Provide a brief developmental assessment of this family: according to psycho-social theory (Erikson) and your knowledge of Family Life Cycle issues, where is it likely that this family/its members could be stuck (making some assumptions)? (/5)
Dan and Debbie (the mother and father) are both in the Generativity VS Stagnation stage of Erikson’s model of Psychosocial Development. This means that they are at a place in their life where they are trying to find ways to contribute more to the world and aiming to create/accomplish things that make the world a better place. They may reflect more on what they have already accomplished, such as creating a home together and raising their daughter Tracy and their eldest son Caleb. Debbie and Dan’s 24 year old son Caleb has moved out and is in university studying power engineering -- he is in the “Independence” stage of the Family Life Cycle. In the Generativity VS Stagnation stage of Erikson’s Psychosocial model, there is an emphasis placed on caring for others. If success is not found during this stage, the result is a sense of Stagnation, which is what it sounds like: a feeling of regret or helplessness to change their circumstances, and/or feeling unable to move forward. It should be noted that by having their daughter and their grandchild stay with them -- they may be experiencing a sense of generativity and fulfillment from being able to take care of them in this way. Now, according to the Family Life Cycle Model, Dan and Debbie are caught in between several stages. The first being the “parents of adolescents” stage, and then they are also nearing the “launching adult children” and the “retirement” stages of this cycle.
Tracy (the 16 year old daughter) is in the Identity VS Role Confusion stage of Erikson’s Model of Psychosocial Development. Tracy is at this stage in her life where she is trying to figure out who she is; developing her sense of self. According to the Family Life Cycle Model, Tracy is in the “new parent” or “parent of an infant” stage of development. One might point out that by having a baby so young, she has skipped a few steps in the Family Life Cycle Model, such as “Independence” and “Coupling/Marriage.” It’s important to consider how this new title of ‘mother’ will affect Tracy’s identity formation and development as she moves closer to young adulthood. What can be done to help Tracy establish her sense of Self? What are some important considerations we must keep in mind, as she is in the “parent of an infant” stage? What kind of parent does Tracy want to be? ( Authoritarian, Passive/Indulgent, or Authoritative? How was Tracy raised?)
Tracy’s baby is named Skylar, and he is 3 weeks old. Baby Skylar’s father is also 16, and he is somewhat involved. He comes to visit at least once a week.
Using the same theories, create a developmental plan for the team who is working with this family that is focused on (1) what staff will do and (2) what specific experiences they will arrange in order to help this family to function as healthily as possible, with examples. Make sure to explain clearly how the actions the staff will take/experiences they will arrange will developmentally support the family/individuals in the family. (/15)
What the staff will do:
For Debbie (45) and Dan (50):
These parents are in the stage of Generativity VS Stagnation, which means staff should focus on talking with them on what they envision for the future. What are some tangible goals the family can work towards together? How do Debbie and Dan feel about their place in life right now?
Being in the “parents of adolescents” stage of the Family Life Cycle, I believe that it is important that staff focus on ways in which they can support Tracy in forming her identity by encouraging her to explore her interests and hobbies. Also, finding ways for Debbie and Dan to connect with Tracy through shared activities such as listening to her favourite bands (The Arctic Monkeys, and Lorde), watching animal rescue shows, and drawing. Having a candid discussion with Debbie and Dan about Tracy’s stage in development could help them connect with her more, and reduce potential conflict from arising.
Since Debbie and Dan are new grandparents, it would be beneficial for staff to ask them about their own thoughts on parenting and how they wish to support Tracy in this experience. What are some traditions they want to carry forward? Do they have cultural practices that are important to them? What beliefs or values do they want to pass down to the younger generations?
For Tracy (16):
Since Tracy is in the Identity VS Role Confusion stage of her development, staff should focus on engaging in activities conversations with Tracy that will support her emerging identity/individuality. What is she passionate about? How would she describe herself to others? What is most important to her? What are her dreams? (https://paradigmtreatment.com/self-exploration-teen-questionaire/) (https://parentandteen.com/who-am-i/)
Tracy has expressed interest in becoming a veterinarian when she is older, so staff can support this interest by looking at vet schools with her, and offer guidance on which high school classes she needs to achieve this.
Tracy is in the “new parent” stage of the Family Life Cycle, staff should therefore focus on assisting her in acquiring important parenting skills. Ensuring that she has the necessary supplies to take care of her baby is important. Attending classes and workshops on parenting with Tracy might be beneficial.
It is also important that staff prepare Tracy for moving into the “Independence” stage of the Family Life Cycle.
Experience Arranging:
Generativity VS Stagnation (for Debbie and Dan): In addition to the care of their daughter, and their new grandchild, Debbie and Dan seem to show great care and interest in making the world a better place for future generations. Looking into organizations to volunteer with such as a local Pregnant and Parenting Teens program would be beneficial. The couple is also passionate about protecting the environment, so looking into volunteer opportunities such as the Reuse Centre, Root for Trees and Partners in Parks may also be helpful for them.
Looking through memories made and shared. Scap-booking old photos can be a great opportunity for the couple to reflect and reminisce about all they have accomplished and been through together.
Parents of Adolescents - Taking a look at Adolescent Development (For Debbie and Dan):
Identity formation (for Tracy): To assist Tracy in through Erikson’s stage of Identity VS Role Confusion, staff should
Group parenting/parenting classes (For Tracy): Connecting Tracy with a group of other pregnant and parenting teens, and/or a parenting support group could help her build and strengthen her parenting skills while also having the opportunity to make new friends.
Preparation for Independence (for Tracy): Staff can help Tracy prepare for her future transition into independence by diving more into budgeting and career-planning. Assuming Tracy is still in High School, there should be an emphasis on making sure she is still working on completing school (whether that be at a regular school or an outreach school program for pregnant and parenting teens). Staff can assist Tracy with her assignments and encourage her to achieve her academic goals.
Family Roles (Everyone): Staff should have a sit-down discussion with the family about what roles each of them are taking on, what expectations they have of each other, plans for the future; as well as needs and boundaries. The family will be encouraged to write out their answers if that is more comfortable for them. The intention behind this is to make sure that everyone in the family is on the same page and to reduce future conflict and tensions that could arise. (Eg: How often are Debbie and Dan watching their grandchild? Is Tracy going to school/work? What kind of financial barriers might they face? What areas do they need the most support? etc..)
~Kelsey Taylor, 3rd Year CYC student at MacEwan University
