Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Capricorn Parents

One of the interesting things about Capricorns is that while they make for mature, stuffy old-manish children, the older they get, the more they loosen up.  While a teenaged Capricorn may have the same affinity for golf and khaki as the one in his eighties, the difference is that the old man doesn't seem out of place in this role.  Capricorns in their prime parenting age are in a good place.  Often labeled as a workaholic, Capricorn Dad is usually the bread-winner.  Capricorn Mom is not likely to be without employment.  If she is a stay-at-home-mother, she runs the household much like a business--schedules, routines, expense reports, etc.  Their conservative spending habits, appreciation for manners, and talent for future-planning are all assets in parenting.  The long-term process of a Capricorn loosening up as a child grows older is a lovely thing to see.  This is not to say that by the time their kids leave the nest, Capricorn is sliding down a stripper pole or throwing money away at a casino.  They will probably still be sticklers for rules and continue to browse the sale ads, but he's learned to lose the tie on the weekends and she isn't afraid to splurge on a fun vacation.

Pros:  Capricorns are ardent savers and hard workers.  Families led by a Capricorn are financially stable.  Children will be well-mannered and aware of their boundaries.  This parent's devotion is unwavering. 

Cons:  Though not as known for being stubborn as fellow Earth Sign, Taurus, Capricorn is secretly more stubborn and set in his ways.  The difference is that he's only this way when it really matters, not just for the sake of being stubborn, like Taurus.  The aforementioned Capricorn workaholic-type is at risk of neglecting family issues if she puts her career first.  


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sagittarius Parents

Sagittarius parents are known for their adventurous spirit and ability to mirror a child's energetic, impulsive attitude.  Like children, many Sadges haven't yet developed the ability to think before they speak.  This translates to giving children the space and freedom to express themselves openly and honestly.  Children with Sagittarius mom or dad are never chastised for speaking their minds.  Sagittarius is often interested in science, philosophy, and nature which means chemistry sets, camping trips, and lots of adrenaline-drenched adventures for the family--that is, if this Sagittarius parent isn't bogged down with work all the time.  Balancing work with play is something every Sadge parent should pay attention to.

Pros:  Enough energy to romp around all day and still be up early to whip up a nutritious breakfast for all,  a youthful curiosity that makes this parent seem young at any age,  and an abundance of excitement and positivity to encourage a child with.

Cons:  Unless he/she's been able to overcome a sometimes offensive outspokenness, this parent can be too harsh for sensitive, reclusive children.  This sign is known for burning the candle at both ends, so this parent may be at risk of missing out on the less obvious nuances of a kid's childhood.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Aquarius Parents

When it comes to parenting, as with anything else, Aquarius has an unconventional style that can evolve in many different ways.  Whether it's by raising the family in a commune or just keeping a funky set of traditions alive, Aquarius parents refuse to be included with the norm.  Known for knowing at least a little about anything, Aquarius Mom and Dad are knowledge-hoarders that place a heavy emphasis on learning.  Many Aquarians take pride in their uniqueness and will celebrate the quirks and individuality of their children as well.  Though they're black sheep, Aquarius parents fit in just fine at PTA meetings and softball practice because they're generally friendly people with positive energy.  While they may give their children the freedom to make up their own minds, topics like politics, religion, and current events will not escape domestic discourse.  Game night is a great tradition to have in an Aquarius household, being that they are masters of trivia and spelling games like Scrabble.

Pros:  A child's questions will never go unanswered.  A strong sense of identity is able to develop in the child.

Cons:  The progressive activist spirit in Aquarius may leave the domestic realm neglected at times.  A child that needs structure and routine may be lost with this breezy sign.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Cancer Parents

The parents of the zodiac, Cancers are natural nurturers.  Unless they had parents who opposed the idea, most Cancers were likely to grow up with pets.  A Cancer's connection to an animal is often stronger than any other sign's--probably because animals are viewed as innocent, vulnerable things that need care.  A Cancer can't resist.  As parents, Cancers have a fantastic ability to become psychically connected to their children and know exactly what they need and how they feel.  If she's not careful, Cancer can become overly possessive of her offspring.  Since she is more nostalgic than any other sign and quite sensitive, Cancer Mother is likely to keep the first tooth her son loses until it turns to dust and Cancer Father will keep that drawing his daughter made in his wallet for the rest of his life.

Pros:  Likely to be well-read on parenting and able to put the child's best interest first, will keep good record of childhood (i.e. scrapbooks, journals, etc.), will create a very comfortable home/kingdom for the family

Cons:  This is a moody parent that needs to be left alone when his/her mood swings low.  Also, Cancer parents may have trouble giving their children the freedom to fail, be hurt, or expand far away on their own.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Scorpio Parents

The Scorpio parent is naturally in tune with his or her children.  With the ability to know what people are thinking and feeling without being told, Scorpio parents can anticipate their child's needs and moods effectively.  Scorpio's possessive and protective nature may create a problem when it comes to giving children a sense of freedom and space, though this problem is easily corrected if the parent is able to identify it and commit to changing (Scorpio's commitment is unshakable).  Since Scorps are no strangers to playing mind games, it's no surprise to find one using reverse psychology or some other mental manipulation to direct children.  While Scorpio mom and dad understand a child's need for secrets, dishonesty is not tolerated.  Kids with a Scorpio parent should always let their parents know where they are, when they'll be back, and who they'll be with--and stick to the plan.  Nothing gets past Scorpio mom or dad.  Often black-and-white thinkers (due to an intensity of feeling), Scorpio parents often project their own interests, dreams, and aspirations onto their children.

Pros:  Strong-willed and able to cut through any obstacle, able to be intensely supportive of child's pursuits, unique ability to understand their children.

Cons:  May be invasive to child's privacy, risk of forcing child to share parent's interests, if the Scorpio parent isn't in a stable relationship, risk of drama in personal life interfering with ability to uphold parental responsibility.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Virgo Parents

Virgo parents tend to have orderly, clean homes if possible (Good luck, Virgo, if you've made a partnership with a Gemini or have a Pisces or Aquarius child, for example).  The grocery store isn't visited without a list and chores are scheduled.  When you find a messy Virgo home, you can at least count on Virgo to know the exact order of each mess and where to find anything you could possibly need.  These parents take an active interest in their children and are easy to make proud.  While both parents are worrisome and critical, Virgo Mom takes the cake.  Having children can be extra enlightening to the often cautious, logical, and structured Virgo.

Pros for having a Virgo parent:  Your closets, drawers, and... life will always be organized.  You'll learn at an early age how to make your allowance really last.  You have a live-in math tutor.

Cons for having a Virgo parent:  These parents are often overly critical and discerning to a fault.  Children who don't respond well to structure may feel stifled or confined.  While Virgo parents take great pride in the accomplishments of their offspring, when it comes time for them to leave the nest, letting go is a crippling challenge.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Taurus Parents

The biggest thing that comes to mind when I consider Taurus parents is the idea of structure.  These are the mothers and fathers that provide structure/stability and routine/rules for their kids.  They're also likely to impose epicurean and elitist tastes on their offspring--designer baby clothes, only the best in electronics, and picky-eating is acceptable.  Unfortunately for manipulative signs (Libra, Scorpio) or children under a sign that is strong-willed (Leo, Aries, Taurus, Capricorn), Taurus Mom and Dad won't budge when a decision has been reached.  No extended curfews or exceptions to the household rules.

Pros: Excellent ability to form habits, predictability gives child a sense of security, likely to be a good bread-winner (unless you're a lazy Taurus... which isn't uncommon).

Cons:  Black-and-white thinking, non-intuitive, potential for too many hours put in at work.