Which family life-cycle stage is characterized by adults adjusting to children leaving home?

The stage characterized by adults adjusting to children leaving home is known as "Launching children and moving on." This life-cycle stage involves parents experiencing a transition as their children become independent, often marked by significant emotional and practical adjustments. As children move out to pursue further education, work, or create their own families, parents may find themselves reevaluating their roles, relationships, and even their identities, often leading to a period of both relief and sadness.

In essence, this stage is crucial as it allows parents to shift from active caretaking to a stage where they can focus on their own interests and relationship with their partner, thereby redefining family dynamics. It often includes coping mechanisms that support both parents' emotional well-being and adjustments to a new family structure. This context highlights the unique aspects of this life-cycle stage compared to the others, which focus on different family dynamics and challenges.