Publications
Partners
- What's the best way to raise a Cancer child?
- Astrologers Nedret Saidova and Tara Vogel say it's all about helping them get comfortable with their emotions.
- Find out about the needs, strengths and weaknesses of this cardinal sun sign.
Kind, tender and emotional, that's unmistakably your Cancer child, in a nutshell, says local astrologer Nedret Saidova.
Ruled by the moon, Cancer is often portrayed as the sea-dwelling crab.
Born between 21 June and 22 July, Cancer children feel all the feels, from happiness to sadness, and everything in between, all in a 24-hour period.
This article is one in a series on astrology and your child's personality, and in turn your parenting approach. Find the rest of our astrological guide to your child's character here.
'Changeable in body, mind and spirit'
Their sensitive nature means that they love affection and, early on, this might translate into a clingy child, who prefers sleeping in your bedroom rather than their own.
Being as emotional as they are, you'll never have to guess how they're feeling, and tantrums may be commonplace.
But don't take them too seriously because, as a cardinal water sign, your Cancer child is "changeable in body, mind and spirit", Saidova says.
"This child needs to be allowed to be moody and feel up or down as many times as necessary," the astrologer advises.
Also see: 'They need mental and intellectual stimulation': Understanding your Gemini child
'It's important that they feel secure and safe'
Like their symbol, the crab, your Cancer child will tend to retreat inward from time to time due to their soft cores, says US-based astrologer Tara Vogel, creator of the Luminary Parenting Community.
"Cancer children need to be allowed to feel their deep sensitivity. Take care and nurture others. It's important that they feel secure and safe. They need to have adults around them be okay with their sensitivity," Vogel advises.
You'll also find that your Cancer child is quite the homebody," Vogel says, noting that being home with the family will be your crab's happy place.
'Their moods can change often'
When it comes to the darker aspects of their personality, Cancer children may become emotionally manipulative, if overly indulged, Saidova says.
As they grow older, parents might experience "occasional bluntness and confrontation", Saidova flags, but adds that this "should not be taken personally", reminding that these kids tend to have constantly changing emotions.
"Their moods can change often," Vogel agrees, adding that parents will need to give them space to express this moodiness.
"I think that all behaviour from children is just trying to meet a need and, if parents can view it through that lens, it's just like a puzzle to be figured out," Vogel says.
The astrologer suggests parents approach any problematic behaviour by first questioning the source.
The following questions may prove helpful in tackling issues, Vogel says:
- What is this child trying to tell me through this behaviour?
- What are they needing? How can I meet that need?
Also read: 'They thrive when given responsibility': Understanding your Leo child
Bonds, clashes and power struggles
If you share your child's sun sign, you will have an equal in terms of sensitivity and affection; however, you'll both be at the mercy of each other's changing moods.
Saidova warns that Cancer parents may be overprotective and possibly take on an overbearing parenting approach.
"The Cancer parent may push the child to perform and succeed at all costs, which could drive the child away. The lesson is to recognise that the desire to care for, nurture and nourish is a wonderful gift but a poor master, and ultimately no substitute for pursuing one's own dreams," Saidova highlights.
As extroverts, Aries and Libra parents may need to work harder at bonding with their introverted Cancer child.
While Capricorn parents may find that their crab is either their favourite child or there is constant friction. Either way, there will be no in-between with this parent-child combination.
Balancing act
Vogel says she's a firm believer that sun sign incompatibility doesn't automatically equal trouble in relationships, even when there are apparent differences between parent and child.
"Differences can be good," she says. "We are attracted to differences because they help balance us."
The astrologer's stance on incompatible sun signs is that there are none.
"I believe that all signs get along with all signs," Vogel concludes.
Find the rest of our astrological guide to parenting here.
Get in touch with the astrologers
Nedret Saidova is available for queries at astro@nedret.co.za. Visit her website Nedret.co.za or Facebook page Nedret Saidova - Consulting Astrologer.
Tara Vogel can be reached at LuminaryParenting.com or via Instagram @Luminaryparenting - Astrology For Parents.
Chatback:
Share your stories and questions with us via email at chatback@parent24.com.
Don't miss a story!
For a weekly wrap of our latest parenting news and advice sign up to our free Parent24 newsletter. Also, just for subscribers, we have an education themed newsletter: sign up for Bright Spark here.
Follow us, and chat, on Facebook and Twitter.
Note from the editor: Astrology, although a helpful tool of insight and guidance for some, is a cultural phenomenon and not based on science. Astrology has not demonstrated its effectiveness in controlled studies and has no scientific validity.
