The Aries child: How to keep this firecracker busy

• What's the best way to raise an Aries child? 
• Astrologer Bronwyn Hadley says it's all about keeping this firecracker busy. 
• Find out about the needs, strengths and weaknesses of this cardinal sun sign. 

Bold, physically active balls of energy, that's how local astrologer Bronwyn Hadley describes the Aries child. 

Ruled by the planet Mars, Aries is often portrayed as a ram. 

Born between 21 March and 19 April, the Aries child is every bit the ambitious pioneer, and you're likely to see this even from an early age.

"Aries children are of a cardinal nature and can be very creative, and have a lot of energy. They are the first sign in the zodiac and the start of the new equinox season, and so they are the inspiration of beginnings and pioneers," Hadley says. 

'Natural storytellers' 

On the plus side, Hadley says Aries children are extremely creative. They're natural storytellers with a fierce independent streak. 

But while they're great at starting something, they'll need your help with sustaining their interests. 

"It is important to note, they might not finish every project they start and sometimes need a bit of motivation or help to keep the creative juices flowing. Boredom is the main reason, not laziness."

Hadley says another trait you might see in your Aries child is a loud, excitable nature, especially when cooped up and stagnant.

The astrologer recommends parents expose these fireballs to physical and mentally stimulating activities. 

"Aries sun sign children need guided, independent play early on and ways to be creative in a physical sense; they thrive on physical outlets. For example, an obstacle course for little ones or sports involving mental stimulation is ideal for older Aries children." 

Also see: 'Routine and a sense of belonging': Understanding your Taurus child 

'They might be independent, but they still want attention' 

Despite their fearless nature, your little fiery guy or girl is going to need a lot of encouragement and nurturing, says Hadley, and they'll thrive with lots of one-on-one time with you. 

"It's important to remember they might be independent, but they still want attention."

They can also be quite sensitive to criticism, the astrologer cautions, explaining that this is due to the key role of the sun in the sign of Aries. 

"The sun is exalted in Aries, and the sun in astrology represents our ego and our creative vital energy; it needs to be nurtured."

'Upset quickly and easily' 

On the flip side of that unlimited physical energy is a shorter attention span and a tendency toward physical outbursts, tantrums or yelling. 

"Aries can also get upset quickly and easily, but will burn it out just as quickly," the astrologer says. 

If you share your child's sun sign, you might be better-placed to understand or connect with this side of your Aries child's personality, but Hadley suggests Aries parents avoid getting "swept up into thinking you know what your child wants". 

"It is important for them to make their own choices or feel free to express their own feelings and desires. However, when your child is overwhelmed, you might find it easier in knowing how to calm them down and, at times, like you have a sixth sense of what they might need in general."

Also read: 'They need mental and intellectual stimulation': Understanding your Gemini child 

'A strong guiding post without judgement' 

Parents born under the sun signs Cancer, Capricorn, Libra, Virgo and Scorpio may find their relationship with their Aries child complicated, especially during their teen years. 

The astrologer says that, to remedy this, Cancer, Capricorn, Libra, Virgo and Scorpio parents try to steer clear of hypercritical parenting. 

"They will need a strong guiding post without judgement," Hadley highlights. 

'General interpretations'

Hadley says that while an Aries child may clash with Cancer, Capricorn, Libra or Virgo parents, astrological compatibility based solely on sun signs provide "general interpretations" only. 

"There are a lot of factors that might change the dynamics of how a child and parent relate to each other."

For a more rounded understanding of your child's personality, parents might want to get a birth chart reading, which offers more details. 

The birth chart will offer insight into a person's moon sign, rising sign (also called ascendant sign), Mars sign, houses and more. 

"If an Aries child has their Mars in Gemini, they might need to communicate their needs more verbally than say an Aries with Mars in Taurus. The moon sign is a child's first expression of needs and emotions, so this is important."

Ultimately, learning as much about your child's astrological make-up will go a long way toward understanding your child. 

"If the parent understands the challenges and the different dynamics, it can help their bond [with their child] grow stronger."

 Find the rest of our astrological guide to parenting here.  

Get in touch with the astrologer

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.