Better Parenting Through Astrology

by Monica Wallach, www.MonicaWallach.com 

    Astrology can give you a deeper understanding of your child’s unique personality, which can help you parent them in a more enlightened and caring manner.  In this article, you will learn about the twelve zodiacal archetypes.  Knowing your child's type gives you information you can use for better parenting.

    The first thing that must be emphasized is that your child’s "Sun sign" is only one part of his or her astrological profile.  (The Sun sign is the sign of the zodiac the Sun was moving through on the day of birth.  For example, a person born between July 23 and August 22nd each would be known as a "Leo" since the Sun always moves through the zodiac sign of Leo during those days.)  Equally important is the sign the Moon was in when your child was born.  Also vital is the Rising Sign, which is the sign of the zodiac cresting the eastern horizon at the moment of birth.  There are many other factors to take into consideration as well, so read these archetypes with the understanding that your child is a mixture of many different energies.  

THE ARIES CHILD: 

    Aries is a fiery, impulsive, self-focused, energetic sign.  It is the archetypal sign of the warrior.  Aries children tend to rush headlong into danger without the least thought of bodily injury.  They are the ones jumping off roofs, swinging from vines, and doing back-flips off the high-dive.  They tend to love sports and all forms of physical activity.  They do not like limits and they do not like being told what to do.  They will butt their heads through a wall rather than move over two feet to use the door.  They are up-front and have a naiveté that can be completely disarming.  They speak the truth.  Their emotions are strong and immediate.  You will know what they are feeling just by looking at their face (this is especially true with an Aries Moon).  Aries children like to start things, but may have trouble finishing them.

Helpful Tips for Parenting an Aries Child:

    To best parent an Aries child, think of yourself as the river bank and them as the water.  Rather than limiting or trying to control their boundless energy, help them channel it in the most useful and productive ways.  Aries children are often diagnosed with ADD -- attention deficit disorder -- because they do not want to sit still, follow rules, or listen to their teachers directions.  They respond well to learning environments which encourage initiative and self-motivation.  Surprisingly, they do well in military schools due to the fact that physical prowess and leadership ability is praised.  They do poorly sitting at desks and reading books.  Involvement in sports, particularly team sports, will be of great benefit.  Aries is a very sexual sign, and these are the children who will start to experiment early, so have that talk sooner rather than later.

    Remember, Aries is the sign of the warrior.  A warrior, by definition, has someone or something worth fighting for.  Help your Aries child identify and pursue his or her cause or quest, so that fiery energy be put to good use.

THE TAURUS CHILD:

    Taurus is the energy of the earth -- stable, sturdy and stubborn.  Taurus children like the established order of routine, and flourish with a secure and stable home life.  They dislike change and do poorly with any unexpected events.  They tend to be slow, methodical learners, but once they have mastered a lesson, they will not forget it.  Taurus is the sign that rules the senses, and Taurian children are very attuned to the sight, sound, taste, and feel of things.  They respond well to environments where their senses can be at peace -- quiet gardens, soft clothes, comfortable chairs, etc.  They may enjoy gardening, crafts, and working with their hands.  They can be stubborn -- remember, Taurus is the sign of the bull.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Taurus Child:

    Maintaining order and routine in their lives will be very important.  They will take longer to accept and adjust to changes.  Taurians tend to learn better by doing than by reading -- so learning experiences which allow practical experience will be better than regular classroom work.  Taurians need a sense of safety, and reassurances of your love and stability will be important to them.  Taurus rules the throat, and many Taurians are gifted singers, so voice lessons would be of benefit.

    Try to work with, rather than against, your Taurus’ stubborn streak.  Remember, you can’t push a bull with his feet planted, but you can hold out a carrot and make him come along quite easily.  Your little bull will move, but only when he wants to!!

THE GEMINI CHILD:

    Gemini is the sign of the communicator, and those born under its energy are natural talkers.  They are gifted in writing, speaking, teaching and social interaction.  These little ones want to know everything and will be endlessly asking questions.  They have an insatiable intellectual curiosity and are the types to read the encyclopedia cover to cover.  They can be very mercurial in their emotions (especially those with a Gemini Moon) and have a great deal of nervous energy.  Calming their quick-moving minds is not an easy task for them, and they are prone to restlessness and nerves.  Routine is their death-knell.  They need variety and excitement in their day-to-day lives.  They tend to do well with what I call "book learning" and love to read about a wide variety of subjects.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Gemini Child:

    These children flourish when allowed to satisfy their natural curiosity.  Be sure to buy them that set of encyclopedias (or get it on CD ROM).  They want and need to talk about what they learn, and do well in a social learning environment.  Encourage them to express themselves verbally and in writing, you may find you have a great orator or novelist on your hands.  They need help though, in calming their restless minds, so introducing them to meditation or yoga at a young age will prove very beneficial.  It may also help to make long walks or relaxing hot baths part of their day.  Gemini rules the lungs in the physical body, and these are the children who have a tendency to start smoking at a young age (to calm those nerves).  Educate them early about the dangers of cigarettes.

THE CANCER CHILD:

    Cancer is the archetypal sign of the mother, and the Cancer child will have an incredibly strong bond with her.  It is of utmost importance that this bond be a positive one, as it will set the foundation for the child to grow into a loving and nurturing adult. Cancer children are attached on the deepest subconscious level to their mothers.  They often want to live near home their entire lives.  They can be quite timid and shy, especially in their early years.  They are the type who will hang on to mom’s apron strings, sometimes even into adulthood.  Cancer children want reassurance of their parents’ love, and respond well to all manner of babying.  They need to feel secure and protected.  They tend to be very emotional and highly sensitive.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Cancer Child:

    Assuring them of your love and their security is the first priority.  Showing affection and nurturing will allow them to feel safe and protected enough to venture out of their shell (remember, the crab is the mascot of this sign).  Cancer children like routine and a sense of safety.  They do best in a settled home life, and if the family has to move they will need a great deal of support through the experience.  Harsh words or aggressive discipline will be felt on a deep emotional level, where it will stay a long time.  Cancer’s have difficulty releasing emotions, and you must be careful about what occurs in their emotional life.

    In the physical body, Cancer rules the breasts and stomach.  If possible, breast feeding (while a great start for all babies) will be especially beneficial for a Cancer child.  Cancer children can have trouble with their weight, watch for a tendency to over-eat due to emotional issues.

THE LEO CHILD:

    Leo is the sign of the lion, the king of the jungle, and there is something regal about the Leo child.  They enjoy the spot-light and are natural leaders.  They have a great deal of pride, which you wound at your own peril -- they do not forgive or forget insults.  However, they respond like cats to milk when given sincere compliments or encouragement.  Leo children like to have fun.  They are natural actors and actresses, and don’t be surprise when they turn the porch into a make-shift stage.  Playing dress-up is a favorite activity.  

    Leo children have a special bond with their fathers.  It is of the utmost importance that this bond be a positive one.  Leo children are destined to assume leadership roles in the world, so they do best when they have a father they can respect and emulate. 

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Leo Child:

    Leo children respond well to heartfelt praise and compliments.  If you want them to clean their rooms on a regular basis, rather than ordering them to do so, you may try saying "I was so proud that you cleaned your room, what a great kid you are."  Most Leo children want to be the center of attention, and will probably entertain the whole family when they are allowed to do so.  Encourage them to apply for leadership positions (school counsel, team captain, etc.) and guide them to using their authority in positive ways.  Leo children can have a great deal of charm, and it is a very sexually expressive sign.  They will be experimenting early, so be sure you talk to them about those issues. 

   Quality time with their fathers is very important, and assuring a close and positive bond between father and child will be of great benefit.  These children need positive male role models as well.

THE VIRGO CHILD:

    Virgo is the sign of the organizer and analyzer.  These are the smart, efficient, organized children of the zodiac.  They can be too analytical and uptight.  They are the ones arranging their pens by color, and their books in alphabetical order.  They do well with all types of mental puzzles, and usually enjoy complex intellectual games such as chess or scrabble.  Virgo is a shy energy, and these children may be timid when young.  They tend to be the wallflowers, but have an innate sweetness and willingness to help others which makes them popular despite their social awkwardness.  Virgos are methodical and practical, so routine and order are second nature to them.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Virgo Child:

    Virgo children like to help others and respond well when given the opportunity to do so. Virgos need to be needed.  Involvement in volunteer organizations would be an ideal use of their innate energies.  They usually do well in traditional forms of learning and tend to be good students.  They will be thorough and diligent.  They like to have order in their lives. Virgos need lots of compliments and assurances of their self-worth -- they absolutely wither under any criticism.  You see, Virgo is the sign of perfection, and if you tell them ten things they do well and one thing they do wrong, all their focus will go to that one wrong thing.

    Virgos are the most physically sensitive of the zodiac, so you may find them intolerant of strong odors, loud noises, or rough fabrics.  (Many Virgos remove the tags from their clothes so they don’t rub their sensitive skin).  In the physical body, Virgo rules the intestines.  These children may be prone to irritable bowel, constipation, food intolerance, allergic reactions, and other ailments of the colon.  If there is one thing you can do to help insure the health of your Virgo child, it is to give them a simple diet of whole foods.  This will build the base for a lifetime of good health.

THE LIBRA CHILD:

    Libra is the sign of the diplomat, the artist, and the romantic.  These children desire peace and harmony in their surroundings, and dislike discord of any kind.  They are the natural peacekeepers of the zodiac, and will be very attuned to the dynamics of personal relationships.  Libra children enjoy painting, dancing, music, and all forms of artistic expression.  Encourage them, and they will bloom into full fledged artists.  Libras enjoy the company of people and tend to be very social.  They are sensitive to the needs of others, and are often willing to sacrifice their own happiness to please someone else.  They can have difficulty making decisions, as they easily see both sides of an issue.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Libra Child:

    Give them musical instruments and colored pencils as soon as they are old enough to hold them.  Encourage their artistic leanings, and create a harmonious space in which they can explore them.  Be aware of how much these children enjoy peaceful and aesthetically pleasing surroundings.  Trips to the art museum or a concert will expand their hearts and minds.  

    Help them learn not to sacrifice their own wants or needs based solely on the desires of others.  Give them the opportunity for a lot of social interaction, and realize they will always want to have their friends around.  Libras tend to live for their love relationships, and these children will be the ones most interested in romance (not so much sex, as dating).  Avoid harsh words or angry emotions around them -- they will respond much better to polite requests and civilized interaction.

THE SCORPIO CHILD:

    These little ones came into the world to experience it with passion and intensity.  Scorpio is the sign of power, control, and psychic ability.  They need to achieve mastery over themselves, and sometimes want to control others too.  These children have strong spirits and are given a great deal of personal power.  Their challenge (and yours) is in how they grow to use that power.  There is no doubt they can be ruthless and vengeful if they take a lower path.  However, they can also do great good for their fellow man when they use their abilities to help others. 

    Scorpio children do not tend to take orders well, unless they have an established respect for that authority figure.  They have a part of themselves which they do not easily show others, and tend to like a great deal of privacy.  They are very intuitive and can read people very well.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Scorpio Child:

    Respect their need for privacy and do not try to understand all the recesses of their minds.  You would do well not to get into any sort of power struggle with them, as they are sure to outlast you (unless you happen to be a Scorpio as well).  They will never forget a kindness, but will never forgive an unkindness.  Establishing fair and respectful rules at a young age will be beneficial -- Scorpios don’t mind going by the rules, but will not take well to arbitrary impositions of discipline or control.  Of all the children of the zodiac, these need the least parenting.  They tend to know their minds and have a wisdom about them that is well beyond their years.

    Scorpio is a passionate and sexually oriented sign.  They will have a deep intensity and strong sexuality.  As parents, it is important for you to help them learn positive ways to express those feelings.

THE SAGITTARIUS CHILD:

    These are the world travelers of the zodiac.  Sagittarians tend to be expansive, optimistic, fun-loving, and out-going.  These are the kids going on foreign exchange trips and back-packing Europe.  They love the call of distant horizons -- both physical and mental.  Your little Sag is likely to be a student of all forms of higher thought -- philosophy, religion, politics, or metaphysics.  These children will be generous to a fault, and have a feeling that wealth and happiness are their birthright.  They dislike pettiness, are not great with details, and don’t want to be bothered by the small stuff in life.  They love a good party and enjoy the company of people.  They tend to be blunt and to the point.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Sagittarius Child:

    Get them a passport, a compass, and a road atlas, for they will surely be needing them.  Open their world to exploration, be it a trip to the zoo when they are young, or a trip abroad for high school graduation.  These children were meant to travel and have adventures.  They want expansiveness in all areas -- they will have big ideas and big dreams.  Encourage them in their pursuits and you will be amazed at what they can attain.  Do nothing to diminish their joie-de-vivre, for they will be the most magnanimous and fun-loving of the signs.  They enjoy the luxuries of life, and will do well in the financial world.  They enjoy social events and team sports.

    Sagittarius is the archer -- half man, half horse -- and these children usually enjoy horses immensely, so you may want to offer them riding lessons.

THE CAPRICORN CHILD:

    These are the children who are born old.  They have a maturity and wisdom about them that is past their years.  Quite often, the oldest child in a family will have Capricorn as the Sun, Moon, or Rising Sign.  They like to be in positions of authority and do well in structured, disciplined environments.  Capricorn is the sign that has to do with ambition, success, and mastery of the material world.  These children are go-getters.  They often start working at a young age, and you will be amazed at how hard-working and diligent they can be.  

    Capricorn is not a warm sign, and these children may seem cold or distant on occasion.  They like to plan and are usually organized, self-motivated, and determined to succeed.  They have a strong sense of duty (especially if the Moon is in Capricorn) and handle responsibilities well.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Capricorn Child:

    These are the children who will be the next business leaders, so encourage them in their climb to the top.  Provide them with a sense of order and set down fair rules, for they do best in a disciplined and structured environment.  They are self-motivated and like to map out a plan for accomplishing their goals.  Your role should be to support their plans and cheer them on their way.  Since they may be naturally cold, it helps to warm them up with a nice hug or loving word.  They may not show appreciation on the outside, but will treasure it on the inside.

    In the physical body, Capricorn rules the knees, and these children can be prone to knee injuries.  They may be sickly when young, but often develop good health in later years and live long lives.

THE AQUARIAN CHILD:

    Aquarius is the sign of independence and individuality, and your little Aquarian travels to the beat of his own drum.  Fair-minded, socially conscious, and with a desire for freedom, these are the children who need a great deal of space to develop their unique personalities.  They will follow the crowd, but only if they can do their own thing as well.  They have high ideals and often exhibit an altruistic concern for their fellow man.  Aquarians have powerful intellects and often do well in science and math class.  They have a natural affinity for computers.  They tend to be rationally, rather than emotionally, oriented.

Helpful Tips for Parenting an Aquarian Child:

    These children need their space, and will want the room to explore their own unique views of the world.  They do well in learning environments that encourage the use of rational thinking, such as scientific experimentation.  They will probably want to enter the science fair or the spelling bee.  You would do well to invest in a computer for them, as they will take to it like a duck to water.  Aquarians will follow rules, even if they do not like them, so long as they have had a say in the decision-making process.  (Aquarius is the sign that rules democracy -- they understand they can be out-voted, they just need to know they do have a vote.)  These children often act like they are aliens just visiting here, so don’t force them to conform to the norm.

THE PISCES CHILD:

    Pisces is associated with dreams, spirituality, and non-reality.  Often, these are the children who are talking to imaginary friends (whom they really can see).  They may just like to sit and stare off into space.  They tend to be gentle, sensitive, intuitive, and emotional.  Pisces is a water sign, and these little ones love the ocean and the water.  They tend to love music and have innate musical talent.  Their dreams may be very vivid (especially if the Moon is in Pisces) and they can easily live in day-dreams and fantasy worlds.  You see, Pisces is the sign concerned with what is happening in the spiritual world, so they have little use for the "real" world.  They are very empathetic.  They will make great sacrifices to help others -- and learning to set boundaries may be required.

Helpful Tips for Parenting a Pisces Child:

    Be gentle, calm, and always loving.  These children are some of the most psychically sensitive of the zodiac, and they will absorb emotions, good or bad, like a sponge.  Since they do tend to have difficulty staying grounded, they need educational environments which support their dreamy way of learning.  Schools specializing in art or music would suit them well.  Discipline and restrictions will just send them into their dream world for escape.  Watch the use of any drugs, as these children will be very sensitive to them.

    Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, and those born under its influence are focused on the world beyond this one.  Encourage their spiritual side, for they are here to perfect their souls, not to participate in a materialistic world.

    I hope you have enjoyed these parenting tips!

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