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- What's the best way to raise an Aquarius child?
- Astrologer Rod Suskin says it's all about giving them space and freedom.
- Find out about the needs, strengths and weaknesses of this fixed sun sign.
Innovative and social, that's how local astrologer Rod Suskin defines the little Aquarius.
Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarius is often portrayed as a water-bearer.
Born between 20 January and 18 February, as a fixed air sign, the Aquarius child is as stubborn as they come. Don't be surprised if their first word is "no".
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.
'They don't get overly attached'
They're fast learners, and this will be clear early on; they might even surprise you at just how quickly they can think independently.
"They love to do things their own way," Suskin notes, adding that while friendly and social, the Aquarius child is also happy in their own company.
"They don't get overly attached to their friends and easily go off on their own," Suskin says of your Aquarian child's independent streak.
And because of this sense of autonomy, they may be prone to a "my way or the highway" attitude.
Also see: 'They don't like being told what to do': Understanding your Capricorn child
'Space and freedom to dream big'
An idealistic view of the world is another typically Aquarian trait you can expect to see in your water-bearer, along with the ability to dream big.
From a young age, your Aquarius child may have goals that sound larger than life. Even so, the astrologer says being supportive is more important than making their dreams come true.
"Aquarian children need space and freedom to dream big about the world and their goals, and they need their parents to support and encourage those dreams. They need their ideals to be acknowledged," Suskin advises.
Less family-orientated
At the same time, parents will be challenged in drawing a line between overly indulging their young visionaries' dreams and helping them stay level-headed in their daily life.
"It can be hard to get them to take a realistic approach to a situation," Suskin notes.
Parents might also expect their water-bearers to be less family-orientated because they're more focused on dreaming about making the world a better place.
Suskin says they might seem "unsympathetic, caring more about strangers and people at large".
Also read: 'In a world of their own': Understanding your Pisces child
'Such an individualistic sign'
Understanding their young Aquarius might be easier for parents with the same sun sign, Suskin says; however, he notes that no two Aquarius' are alike.
"Sharing the sign Aquarius doesn't mean you're similar, it's such an individualistic sign, but it does mean you can appreciate the individualistic views of the other and make room for that independence of thought and action."
Having less in common with the Aquarius child, Cancerian and Capricorn parents may find raising their water-bearers challenging, especially since they're more traditional.
"Cancerians and Capricorns can seem too conservative to Aquarian children, who find it difficult to adopt values they see as old-fashioned," the astrologer notes.
The full picture
While there are certain sun signs that are highlighted as incompatible, mom and local astrologer Bronwyn Hadley says that sun signs descriptions don't provide the full picture.
Hadley highlights that other factors such as an individual's Moon, Venus and Ascendant sign also affects parent-child dynamics. These additional factors can be found in an individual's birth or natal chart.
Find the rest of our astrological guide to parenting here.
Get in touch with the astrologers
Rod Suskin can be reached at rod@rodsuskin.com and rodsuskin.com.
Bronwyn Hadley can be reached at bronh@live.com and 082 761 7544.
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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.
