An example memory sub-system includes a memory device and a processing device, operatively coupled to the memory device. The processing device is configured to open a first block family associated with the memory device; assign a first cursor of a plurality of cursors of the memory device to the first block family; responsive to programming a first block associated with the first cursor, associate the first block with the first block family; open, while the first block family is open, a second block family associated with the memory device; assign a second cursor of the plurality of cursors of the memory device to the second block family; and responsive to programming a second block associated with the second cursor, associate the second block with the second block family.