Parenting can be difficult these days. Theories, strategies, and how-to books on the subject are abundant. It is tempting to pick one system and use the same style for each child. But every child is unique! Astrology has us look at our children individually. We find their essence (Sun sign), what they need emotionally (Moon sign), and the face they show to the rest of the world (Ascendant). The Sun carries the most weight, but you may want to also read your child's Moon sign and ascendant if you know it.

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)
Aries is an explorer, a warrior, a leader. These children will move forward whether they are going in the direction we as parents would prefer or not. The Aries child is the one who jumps in the river before he can swim or climbs the ladder before we can catch him. You will find him directing the neighborhood empire because he is the emperor. It is vital for the little Ram's spiritual health to guide, but not to stop him. Be sure to point out others' sensitivities because in his enthusiasm, he just doesn't see how he might hurt someone. As Aries is a great initiator of projects, we must also encourage him to carry through with what he starts. Most importantly with Aries, if he is not hurting himself or others, let him go. Freedom is breath to an Aries.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20)
First and foremost, we need to remember that Taurus is an earth sign. These children are tactile, sensual, aesthetic, and practical. Taureans love soft clothes, shoes that don't pinch, and their own property. So, don't mess with their stuff! Security and peacefulness are mandatory. If there is disharmony around Taurus children, they tend to get insecure and emotionally distraught - so, have family arguments elsewhere. Stability is the key word with Taurus children. With routine and a sense of permanence they really do become the strong adult bull-the backbone of society.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Did you say that your highly intelligent Gemini child is a handful? This child has tons of energy - and he needs that energy to be channeled for him. Isolating this wonderful social creature would border on abuse. He needs a host of friends, activities, and an interest all his own to keep his social mind going in the right direction. A bored Gemini will find something to do (take heed, parents of Gemini teenagers). He is adaptable, so if you find that his school, social, or family situation is not supporting him, by all means, change it. Gemini handles change better than any other sign of the zodiac. They are just so smart it is scary. We learn the truth through Gemini.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)
You say your little Crab has just crawled inside her shell and won't come out? Or when she comes out, she's all pinchers and claws? Look deeper, Mom and Dad; the Crab has been wounded. This is the most emotionally sensitive of all signs, and may be easily misunderstood unless you are a water sign yourself (Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio). The most important thing you can do for a Cancer is to listen with your heart. What she needs is abundant nurturing, stability in the home, and a space all her own. She needs a sense of family history. These will create the space for this exquisite lover of all creation to take her place in the great cosmic circle of life.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22)
The three key words for dealing with our baby lion are appreciation, applause, and approval. This young Simba was born to take center stage, and when he doesn't get his full measure of the limelight, he starts to wither and get insecure. The worst thing you can do to a Leo child is to withhold love and approval. But don't make him feel subordinate either! He responds well to limits if he knows he is loved. So, enjoy! These kids are so entertaining that you can just sit back, relax, and watch the show. And don't forget to clap!

Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22)
Don't let that mellow demeanor fool you, parents. This little Virgo is likely the most talented, artistic, wise child on the block. It is just that, unlike our Leo or Aries children, they do not make a fuss big enough for us to notice. The resultant problem is that they themselves may not notice how special they are. Of any sign of the zodiac, this one has the most problems with under-valuing themselves. The key is to give them your unsolicited attention and appreciation on a regular basis. These little wonders are intuitive beyond measure, and have much to teach us if we just pay attention.

Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22)
What a graceful, easy child is Libra! This child is as willful as any, though very sophisticated in making you think that her way is The Way. She is a peacemaker. This child needs peace in her surroundings or she will create peace, often at her own expense. She needs to be reassured that when she stands up to a particular situation or person you are standing there with her. She needs to hear that peace at any price is not okay. Her ideas and rights are God-given. After all, she is our future president.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)
Depth is the hallmark of Scorpio. Because we are dealing with the most powerful of beings here, albeit little, we need to remember that they are not "just children." They have wisdom beyond their years. They need us to attentively listen - even though we may not have the slightest idea what they are trying to say. These children are psychic, so never try to cover up the truth. But help them to use their power wisely. They have the ability to squash others with a word, a look, a sting. They must not be allowed to use their power this way. If we guide them well now, they will guide us well later.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)
The Sagittarian child is so full of exuberance and energy that we sometimes think he is "bigger than life." No other sign has so much fun. I have a Sagittarian nephew who laughs so hard at his own silly jokes that the rest of us can't help but crack up too. Sagittarius is athletic and ambitious - traits to be nurtured. Don't worry about how neat his room is or if he ever even has his own room. Travel with him. Show him the world. Introduce him to different cultures. Just caution him to not step on anybody on his way to the stars!

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)
Life is serious business for these kids. There are rules to learn, protocols to follow, order to keep. What do these young, old souls need from us? First, as an earth sign, they need and love physical activity. They take to sports and dig the discipline that sports require. They also need to be given authority over their own domain, be it just a corner. It is tempting to give them too much responsibility. Even though they appear to be handling it, too much weight can squelch their dreams, the special gift that they have to offer to the world. When this happens, they grow to be "successful'" adults who are climbing someone else's mountain instead of their own.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)
The Aquarian child may very well be an enigma to you from birth. Fiercely independent, yet very social, Aquarius is a paradox, even to himself. Your Aquarian will change you as a parent. That is one of his jobs this time around. He dances to a different tune - and that sometimes makes him appear odd. A late bloomer, the Aquarian rises to his position of leadership. Do not become overly strict with him or he will simply pull away. No big rebellion - one day you will just find he has mentally and emotionally left. This child is demonstrative with his love, but he does need to hear your words of love and praise. Support his dreams, no matter how quirky. Remember, he is here to usher in the new age of equality.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)
Congratulations. You have just received the spiritual gift of your life the moment your Pisces baby was born. Of course all children are gifts from God, but this one seems to be more in contact with those spiritual realms somehow. The operative word when dealing with Piscean children is "gentle." Wounded even a little, they can escape into whatever their Moon sign is, or as teen-agers, escape into whatever is available on the "dark side." Encourage your Piscean's "other worldliness," talk to them of their nighttime dreams, and by all means participate in their imaginary worlds. Who knows - theirs may be the real world after all.