Life
There are those who say our fate is written in the stars and believe the position of the cosmos determines our personalities, sensibilities, and our connections with one another. I am not one of those people, but I do think astrology is a fun way to pass the time. The archetypes presented in the Zodiac can provide a whimsical outlet to contemplate questions about you or, for parents, you children. For example, how well will your baby play with others based on their sign? Will it tell you, definitively, your child's social destiny from now until the end of time? I mean, I don't think so. (Certainly, even people who take astrology very seriously purport that there are numerous factors at play, not just one's "sun sign.") But it's still a lot of fun.
Personally, I find the Zodiac to be a bit hit or miss. My daughter, for example, is a Gemini and she is a classic Gemini when it comes to her friendships. She's bright and bubbly, charming, social, and just a bit indecisive. My son is a Virgo, but I swear he's a Virgo trapped in a Aquarius/Pisces' cusp body. My partner perfectly aligns with Cancer's crabby, solitary tendencies, whereas I am the opposite of what a Capricorn is supposed to be.
But enough about my family. How well do these descriptions match up with your child?
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries children are optimistic, courageous little bundles of energy. Unfortunately, they are also moody, impatient, and short-tempered. Left to their own devices, they don't always play nicely with others. But if you play to their strengths they can use their goal-oriented enthusiasm to take leadership roles among their peers and encourage unity within a group.
(Might I suggest sports? I tend to be more of an artsy person and don't usually recommend them, but for Aries I totally do.)
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus kids are loyal, determined, and patient. They're also practical and will often be a calming, grounding presence for those around them. Overall, Taurus children get along well with others and stick with friends for years, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. For woe to any who dares ask a Taurus to share their toys. This sign tends to be a bit materialistic and greedy. Ask your little one to share their truck and you will see that determined patience morph hideously into bullheaded stubbornness pretty quick.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
You will not have to worry about your Gemini child making friends. Curious, social, adaptable, and caring, Geminis love nothing more than to be surrounded by people (and, thanks to their natural wit and charm, people love to be around Geminis). They may even be prone to serious bouts of FOMO. Be careful, though, because sometimes too much social stimulation can trigger their nervous tendencies and they may need a break for their own good.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
"Cancer" is represented by a crab. This is most fitting. Your Cancer child is sensitive, family oriented, and imaginative. But, like their crustacean namesake, they can also be quite insular. They are extremely wary of strangers and even among people they know can be rather moody. But Cancers feel big and once they get to know and love you there's nothing they won't do for you. You can expect your Cancer kid to have a core group of unshakably close buddies.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Leos always seem to be in a good mood. They're fun-loving, charismatic, funny, cheerful, and generous. This all works well for Leos in their social life, and your little one will often find themselves the center of attention and the life of the party. But whereas all children are naturally self-centered and selfish (as is developmentally appropriate), Leos take it to a whole different level. Your little lion, therefore, may need frequent reminders to think about others and to chill on the bravado lest their confidence turns to arrogance.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos are basically the Zodiac's perfect sidekicks. They are naturally pretty shy, but they are hardworking and careful enough to use that to their advantage, often forming symbiotic relationships with more outgoing (if less detail-oriented) companions. They may often find themselves in an advisory role. Your little Virgo will probably be the one organizing (if not choosing) games. One thing you may want to keep an eye on is the Virgo tendency to be critical and just a bit snobby.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libras are laid-back and social. They are easy to get along with because their goal in life is to make sure everyone is getting along. (Case in point: they are excellent sharers.) Because your Libra is so keen to keep the peace, you may have to be mindful of their tendency to get stuck in the middle of other people. They may also have trouble speaking up for themselves (which will translate into a bitter grudge).
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are, to put it delicately, strong personalities. People are drawn to them... but whether your little one will play nicely is another story, as Scorpios can be aloof, secretive, and distrusting. When they do find someone they like, however, they are the most dedicated, loyal friend anyone could ever ask for. (Though, if left unchecked, this loyalty may become possessive and jealous.)
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius kids love new experiences. They're extroverted, curious, and don't like to stay in one place for too long. Socially, this can mean that they can move seamlessly from clique to clique with ease. This (paired with their sometimes tactless honesty) can mean that they don't always form particularly tight friendships: they cannot stand clingy people... though, to a Sagittarius, it doesn't take too much to be seen as clingy. They may have to be encouraged to have more patience in order to form something more than superficial bonds with friends.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
As long as everyone is following your Capricorns instructions, your Capricorn is getting along just fine. This sign can tend towards the bossy and condescending. They're serious, practical, and not overly social, but are still steadfast, grounding friends for those with whom they connect.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarius kids are the type whose creativity and charisma will ensure popularity: they will never want for a playground buddy or see-saw partner. Yet while their natural affability will bring them lots of pleasant acquaintances, they will only ever be truly close to a carefully chosen few. Because while they are bubbly and gregarious they are also quite sensitive and getting close to someone can make them feel vulnerable.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Last year, Saturday Night Live had a hilarious fake commercial for the Well for Sensitive Little Boys (from Fisher-Price). "Some kids like to play," says the commercial's voiceover. "Others just sort of wait for adulthood. ... He'll grow up to have a wildly passionate and successful creative life, but not yet."
This is the spirit of a Pisces child. Not only are they sensitive but they treasure and nurture their sensitivity. They may want to spend more time writing emotional poetry or painting than cavorting with friends. It's not that they can't get along with people, but these little fishies feel big and may need gentle encouragement to open up. But when they find their people, these gentle, compassionate souls are supportive and loving friends.
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