Archives: Baby Name Astrologies

Aries

Aries

Symbol:       The Ram
Planet:         Mars
Element:      Fire
Best Trait:   Courage
Keyword:     I AM

I often joke that I would try and plan a pregnancy exactly nine months before the sign of the Aries. It’s not that these little strong-willed tykes are necessarily easy to parent, but more than likely they will grow into self-sufficient, independent adults, about whom you won’t have to worry much. This is the ultimate goal of all parents, right? And Aries have all the inherent qualities that naturally equip them for success in life. This is the sign of leadership and courage.

Once you strap this little crusader in his car seat on the way home from the hospital you can be certain that life will never again be dull. Your little Ram will quickly establish his position as boss, and he’ll be very direct about his preferences.  No matter if your baby is a girl or a boy; the Aries strong determination sees no gender boundaries. There is not a subtle bone in this baby’s body. He’ll yell from his crib if he’s not ready to sleep, and he’ll spit out his food if it doesn’t suit his tastes. No amount of gentle coaxing or persuasion will change his mind.  Aries have a natural aversion to authority and they hate to be bossed about, so simply saying “No!” usually doesn’t work.  Dear, frustrated parent of an Aries, if YOU plan to get YOUR way, you’re best advised to subtly guide the child into the desired behavior by creating a challenge around the problem. Aries respond to challenges, as it’s important for them to prove they can accomplish anything, and that they’re better than anyone else. You will have to teach them that there are valid reasons why you say ‘no’ and that you are not just being mean.  Teach them why the rules exist, why others will not always be able to follow their lead, and why it is in their best interest to make peace with the fact that not everyone is going to agree with them every single day about every single thing.

I hope I haven’t scared you. Rest assured, Aries children are not all “spit and vinegar.” Their strength and determination are a big part of their charm. Despite their strong-willed ways, the Aries child is usually very affectionate; giving and receiving love is very important to the little Ram.  This child will be generous with toys and have a vivid, practical imagination – rather than dreamy, impractical fantasies. The Aries curiosity is insatiable so he/she keeps busy learning and figuring out new things.  They love adventure and trying new things, and showing you how good they are at all of their endeavors.

 

Here’s the tricky thing about little Aries:  emotionally they can be fragile. It’s sometimes hard to believe that this confident, independent, take-charge child needs a lot of reassurance, but they do. It’s important for them to know that they are loved. If you want to make sure your little Ram solidifies all of his innate confidence and self-esteem, constantly compliment him on his accomplishments and shower him with love.

Aries children usually walk and talk early, as they are eager to get the show on the road. They are typically healthy, robust children who recover from illness quickly. As “doers” always in action, they can be prone to physical accidents. This is the child that will climb any tree, swing the highest at the playground, ride their bikes impatiently without training wheels, and dive head first into the deep end. It’s not that they are daredevils but that they are quite comfortable taking risks and have a natural “can-do” attitude.  In general, Aries has the ability to set their own limits and will not do anything too crazy, so go ahead and cheer them on.

Best Traits of the Aries:  Energetic, enthusiastic, inspiring, curious, spontaneous, good-leader, direct, helpful, frank, selfless, risk-taker, strong-willed, optimistic, courageous, stimulating, confident, assertive, persevering, independent, extraordinarily exciting

Negative Traits of the Aries: Brash, restless, lustful, head-strong, fool-hardy, jealous, quirky, self-centered, hot-headed, bossy, blunt, argumentative, impulsive, brazen, impetuous, impatient

Name Ideas for Baby Aries:  To see a list of baby names you may want to consider for the sun sign of Aries, please follow this link.

Recommended Books for The Aries Child (great baby shower gift ideas):

Children’s Book Author Why?
The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein Aries tend to be a little self-centric, so they will truly benefit from this timeless story of selflessness and giving.
 Where the Wild Things Are  Maurice Sendak  This adventurous tale will surely delight the Aries and bring focus to that restless energy.
 Green Eggs and Ham  Dr. Seuss  The Aries imagination is more practical than fantastical, so introduce them to the silliness of Dr. Seuss early on.
 Guess How Much I love You?  Sam McBratney  The confident little ram doesn’t seem to need loving reassurance; oh, but he does.
 The Lorax  Dr. Seuss  We’ve never met an Aries who didn’t care deeply about nature. This one is a must have.
 Go, Dog, Go!  P.D. Eastman  Who knew a dog could be so busy? The Aries will understand because they, too, are doers and go-getters.
 Olivia  Ian Falconer  Aries love to do a lot, so they will find a kindred spirit in little Olivia.
 The Tale of Peter Rabbit  Beatrix Potter  The little Ram child will love the story of naughty Peter Rabbit always getting into scrapes.
 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt  Michael Rosen  The courageous little Aries won’t be afraid of a bear hunt. In fact, they’ll love it!
 Richard Scarry’s What People Do All Day  Richard Scarry  The “can-do” attitude of the Aries child will love to learn about what other people do all day.

 

Taurus

Taurus

Symbol:                 The Bull
Planet:                   Venus
Element:                Earth
Best Trait:             Perseverance
Worst Trait:           Inflexible
Keyword:                I HAVE
 
Remember Ferdinand the Bull? Ferdinand was quite content to lie in the pasture peacefully smelling the flowers rather than stomp, jump and butt heads with the other bulls. That is, until the day he met up with the wrong end of a bee.  It was then that Ferdinand displayed his inner bull. Ferdinand’s story is illustrative of what you can expect with your delightful and easy-going Taurus. It’s also a reminder that underneath the Taurean sweetness lays volcanic energy and an unmistakable fierceness.
Taurus babies and youngsters are affectionate and cuddly. They love being touched, kissed and hugged. Often, these little babes are Mama’s sweet (secretly favorite) boys and Daddy’s little girls. They are pleasantly amiable, endearing and even a bit flirty. The little bull knows exactly how to manipulate his or her parents to get what he wants with his/her sweet charms. Just be prepared for that stubborn streak of his. This child has no qualms about standing firm against doing something he doesn’t want to. And you’re probably no match for his defiant opposition. They don’t say “stubborn like a bull” for nothing. The key is not to use force against his wishes. This will only cement his resolve. Affection is the name of the game with Taurus. A loving voice, a sweet kiss, and a big hug are your best chances to cajole your little one out of his obstinacy. He’s practically defenseless against affection – he simply can’t refuse it.
 If your friends and neighbors are saying about you: “Wow. They must be really good parents. That kid is just great. So well-behaved!” then they must be talking about your Little Bull. Like the Capricorn, Taurus has a certain emotional stability and maturity, even as toddlers they are little old souls. Taurus children are not likely to act out or misbehave in front of guests or visitors. They are not impetuous or show-offy. They are easy-going and good-natured. Some Taurus children are often shy and timid when first meeting strangers, and they’re not attention-seekers like the Leo. The bull is a robust, strong animal, and similarly, Taurus children are generally healthy, well-built, sturdy little guys and gals. They will most likely rebound from the common childhood sicknesses quickly. Usually with Taurus, the boys are all boy and the girls are quite feminine – but both are athletically talented and do well in sports or most physical activities. Although tomboys are not atypical among girl-bulls, they are generally the type of female who can excel in sports all the while retaining her girly-girlness and ultra femininity which she can turn on and off like a light switch.
Taurus traits favor sensibility, practicality, and common sense – so don’t be dishonest with them. This is a child who will respond to reason and logic. Short-cutting parenting styles won’t work on your bull. You can’t just say “Because I said so.” and think he or she will accept that at face value. No, no. no.  You must do one of two things to coax out desired behavior. One, make the desired activity (feeding, teeth-brushing, bedtime, etc) fun, playful and affectionate. Or two, give him or her the logical, rational explanation why what you’re asking him to do is important. This kid is no dummy. Respect is a two way street. The good news is that you won’t have much trouble. The Taurus child is usually pretty tidy and organized, and they’re no enemy to routine. In fact, Taureans don’t really like change, so if you are introducing them to something new (i.e., preschool, a new house, etc) you should give them a heads-up in advance; give them time to prepare their little minds around anything different or out of their ordinary. Abrupt changes to their typical routine can be jarring so give them ample time to adjust.
In school you’ve got a winner on your hands. Parent-Teacher conferences will probably go well. Teachers have very few complaints about the young Taurus. They are usually focused on their lessons and obedient in the classroom. The Taurus isn’t the fastest learner but his power of absorption is nothing short of extraordinary. This child’s learning style is more slow, meticulous and concentrated. Once he’s mastered his lesson plan, it’s likely committed to memory forever, and for this reason Taurus youngsters are good test-takers. Other students trust and admire their Taurus classmate, so much so he or she is often elected into leadership or school government positions. This is because the Taurus is a natural born leader, and they also have a strong sense of fairness and good, solid judgment guided by their innate common sense.
You won’t often find yourself disappointed with your young bull. They seldom do anything thoughtless or foolish because they carefully consider the consequences before taking action. Your only challenges with the Taurus are their stubbornness and their temper (which fortunately is not often reared).  That temper only explodes after a very long fuse has been expired. They need to be seriously provoked, and when they are, you better run for cover. Help them back to the peaceful, happy place they so much more prefer to be in – help them find a logical path to solving their frustrations and they’ll quickly dispel that fury by putting their horns back into their little heads.  Give them an atmosphere of cozy, affectionate love and try not to erect too many fences because they’ll resent you for it. They are innately kind and very loyal; their love is genuine and they want to live in peaceful harmony.
Even with all their pragmatism and common sense, don’t be surprised by their creative, artistic and/or musical side.  You should develop that early if they’re showing signs of talent. Taurus is one of the most romantic of all the signs and can grow up to be true Renaissance men and women (Leonardo da Vinci was a Taurus!). The bull is happy creating and building things; they get a sense of satisfaction out of the process and are quite proud of their results. They are determined and motivated and have the patient perseverance to accomplish whatever they set their little minds to. The Taureans are sensual, romantic day-dreamers trapped in a sensible, practical personality. But this is one of the greatest things about the bull. That combination of sensible dependability and pragmatism with emotional sensitivity and creativity is both rare and endearing. Lucky you, parent of a Taurus. You have a real winner on your hands.

Best Traits of the Taurus: Determined, productive, punctual, affectionate, generous, creative, thorough, loyal, clever, patient, trust-worthy, warm-hearted, artistic, dependable, persistent, organized, sensuous, resourceful, good natured, extremely good looking

Worst Traits of the Taurus: Brooding, argumentative, inflexible, materialistic, opinionated, bullheaded, self-indulgent, headstrong, lustful, self-centered, jealous and possessive, obstinate, exasperatingly self-righteous, stubborn
Recommended Children’s Books for the Taurus Child
Children’s Book Author Why?
The Story of Ferdinand Munro Leaf Ferdinand the Bull is one of the most beloved characters of children’s fiction and your little bull is sure to respond.
The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein This story of love will strike a chord in your little, affectionate bull.
The Very Hungary Caterpillar Eric Carle A fun story that teaches counting and days of the week in a methodical way that Taurus likes to learn.
Fancy Nancy Jane O’Connor Fancy Nancy likes all things fancy – and the fancier the better. The ultra-feminine bull will love this book.
Guess How Much I Love You Sam McBratney This lovey-dovey book of parental love is a chance for you to show the affection your little Taurus responds so well to.
The Lorax Dr. Seuss The sign of the Taurus loves nature, and this is a story about our role in nature.
Everyone Poops! Taro Gomi Both humorous and scientific, the Tarurean combination of practicality and creativity is sure to understand its pragmatic message.
The Kissing Hand Audrey Penn A heartwarming story that will help the smallest of bulls in dealing with change.
Press Here Hervé Tullet The interactive “press the yellow dot” will send your sensual little bull on a magical journey.
Zen Shorts Jon J. Muth Simple Buddhist inspired messages will make sense to the practical Taurus.

Gemini

Gemini

Symbol:                 The Twins
Planet:                   Mercury
Element:                Air
Best Trait:             Intelligent
Worst Trait:           Fickle
Keyword:                I THINK
Congratulations…you’re going to have twins!! No, you say? Oh, maybe we should clarify. Despite the fact that you may be only having a single child, trust us, you’re going to have twins. That’s the Gemini for you, like it or not.  The duality of their personality is unmistakably strong so it’s no accident their symbol is the Twins. Being a parent to a Gemini baby is a big responsibility and a lot of work, but they will keep you on your toes and make the world a much more interesting place. Before you even get home from the hospital, your little charge will already be actively soaking it all in – their lively curiosity is apparent right away. For the sheer excitement of it, every parent should have at least one Gemini (but two of them will send you to an early grave).
One thing we can promise you: you’re not going to have a dumb kid on your hands. The Gemini mind is sharp, alert, observant and curious. Geminis are little geniuses and naturally precocious. Because they learn quickly, they are usually ahead of schedule with most milestones: walking, talking, fine motor skills, potty training, reading and writing. Feel free to put them into a bilingual school – as youngsters they are quick to adopt new languages with effortless ease. Don’t be shy about travel – you can take a Gemini anywhere. They are not fussy about new environments – this one embraces change. At times you will think their energy is infinite and you will have a difficult time keeping up with their mental and physical agility. They are exploratory and inquisitive and maintain a fine balance between reality and imagination. Just be sure to give them the freedom to explore, learn and satiate their curiosity. They multitask with ease and can be pursuing many interests at once. Whatever you do, don’t hamper their zest for learning. And don’t confine them to small spaces. Remember, there are two of them.
In play, the Gemini has no gender preferences. They like variety in their play, so they are usually drawn to several different sports and a diversity of activities. They are social children and generous with their toys. Other kids are drawn to the Gemini because they’re extroverted, talkative and fun. They also have fantastical imaginations and create worlds of make-believe that make playtime an exciting adventure. Like the Pisces, Gemini youngsters have an uncanny ability to co-exist in reality and fantasy, and their colorful imagination often exaggerates the truth. They are known for telling fibs from time to time, not because they’re dishonest, but because the truth is less interesting.  
Geminis usually do well in school because they are not only highly intelligent, but extremely communicative. They express their lessons either orally or in writing with such clarity and understanding that they’re often called on in class to answer teacher’s questions or recite the material. They are little sponges who soak up everything and are multi-talented enough to pursue several different subjects with acuity. They are busy, fast learners but short fused on patience. This is the chink in their academic armor – they have a tendency to move on too quickly without the necessary thoroughness demanded of the lesson plan. Geminis are also sometimes poor listeners in class. Their sharp minds grasped the concept in the first sentence, so they’re not exactly interested in listening to teacher drone on about the details. Moving right along…that’s what the Gemini is eager to do. Don’t bore him with the minutiae. Teachers are often irritated by their Gemini students because their attention span is short and they often talk during class when they should be listening. They are usually forgiven, though, thanks to their good grades. Turns out they were listening after all!
Not only are Geminis bright-minded, but they are also quick-witted. Their sprightly minds craft words cleverly, and their wicked sense of humor will catch you off-guard. This makes them a ton of fun to be around. But you better brush up on your own intelligence if you intend to keep up with them. If you can, they’ll take you on adventures beyond your wildest dreams. Geminis are generous with their knowledge and enjoy communicating ideas. But they are also easily bored and need constant stimuli. The Twins are restless souls constantly searching for something – almost to the point where they lack inner peace. It’s like they’re not quite sure what they’re searching for themselves. An elusive dream beyond their grasp.
 Don’t be tricked into thinking that this smart, dynamic and social child always on the go doesn’t have a fragile inner-child. From a very early age, Geminis surmise that love is inherently conditional, perhaps because they are ruled be their intellect. They intellectualize the expectations placed on them at an early age and conclude that they are only loved when they behave properly, speak properly, dress properly, follow the rules and do as they’re told. They are easily discouraged if they can’t meet all expectations all of the time. The result is a deep-seeded insecurity about their worth. As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give your little Gemini is the firm belief that unconditional love does indeed exist. Make a conscious effort to prove to them that your love is absolute and not dependent on them being perfect. You love them unconditionally for exactly who they are – flaws and all.
The thing that a Gemini values above all else is their freedom. Freedom of movement, freedom of exploration, freedom of learning, freedom of mind, body and spirit. Do whatever you can not to hamper their need for freedom and intellectual independence, and you’ll allow all of that natural “joie de vivre” to develop fully.  The worst nightmare for the Gemini child is having a “helicopter” parent.  Don’t cramp their style. Voice your unconditional love. Teach them the importance of patience and honesty. Then go ahead with confidence and set your little butterfly free.
Best Traits of the Gemini: Inquisitive, affectionate, open minded, perceptive, eloquent, quick-witted, cheerful, kind, charming, savvy, generous, objective, clever and witty, versatile, imaginative, inventive, adaptable, communicative, twice the fun
Worst Traits of the Gemini: Restless, sarcastic, gossipy, fickle and two-faced, nosy, cheap, flighty, evasive, nervous and tense, non-committal, indecisive, quickly bored, manipulative, irritable, quarrelsome
Recommended Children’s Books for the Gemini Child:
Children’s Book Author Why?
Are You My Mother? P.D. Eastman The inquisitive little Gemini will love to follow the little hatchling off to find his mother.
Curious George H.A. Rey If there’s anyone more curious than Curious George, it’s definitely a Gemini child.
Jumanji Chris Van Allsburg The easily bored little Gemini child will be captivated by this fantastical book.
Where is Baby’s Belly Button? Karen Katz Hey, if the book has a question mark in its title, you can be certain the Gemini will enjoy it.
Click Clack Moo: Cow’s That Type Doreen Cronin Perfect book choice for the witty little Gemini. He/she will appreciate typing cows.
Where the Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak Just like little Max in the story, the Gemini child has a fantastic imagination.
Guess How Much I Love You?  Sam McBratney Geminis are known to be affectionate, so cuddle up with them and this love-fest of a book.
Peek-A-Who? Nina Laden Both funny and engaging, Peek-A-Who will delight any little Gemini.
Harold and the Purple Crayon Crockett Johnson A lovely tribute to a child’s imagination, the Gemini can keep up with the best of ’em.
Olivia Ian Falconer We’re not sure if author Ian Falconer is aware, but his heroine was most likely born under the Gemini sun sign.

Cancer

Cancer

Symbol:                 The Crab
Planet:                   Moon
Element:                Water
Best Trait:              Loyalty
Worst Trait:           Moodiness
Keyword:                I FEEL
 
Your little baby crab will walk sideways right into your heart because their sense of direction is a little different than the rest of us. The Cancer is never easy to understand. They wear their hard outer shell to protect their soft and delicate inner hearts. You’ll find that the word “moody” is often associated with this temperamental little babe, and rightly so. Out of all the babies in astrology, the Cancer is the one most likely to cry often and hard at the drop of a hat, and then charm you with his contagious laughter and goofy grin moments later.
Here’s one of the most important parenting tips we can give mothers and fathers of a young crab: show loving warmth and encouragement as much as possible. This is a delicate line to walk – the one between showing strong and firm discipline while providing the loving support and soft touch the little Cancer so desperately needs. Did we mention Cancers can cry a lot? He or she will let you know immediately if they have a problem, and so this is a sign that has the highest liklihood of being spoiled. They just demand a lot of attention and it’s hard not to give in. If you are too coldly firm, however, then your little guy will withdraw right back into his protective shell, brooding and sulking for hours. You’ll need to work hard on finding that balance; we just can’t underscore enough how important it is that your Cancer feels loved and safe in his formative years, or else the consequences in his adult life could be dire. Do not reject a young Cancer or he will suffer a crushing blow. They must feel loved, so pour it on with syrup and reassure them constantly.
The strongest influence on a Cancer is his early home life. Really, this could be said for any child, but for the little crab it’s particularly true. It carries a tremendous amount of weight into his adulthood and can really determine his emotional and psychological success later in life. Every action and every word of his parents and siblings is recorded in his busy little brain. He remembers all experiences almost photographically, and his early life impacts him profoundly. He’s ruled by the Moon which we know controls the tides – he will have the same ebbs and flows in his moods. As mentioned already, the young Cancer is often fearful, highly sensitive and “crabby” prompting many crying episodes. But he is also loving, cuddly, intuitive and imaginative. And believe us, this sometimes “cry-baby” is remarkably independent. Their keen imagination and fascinating curiosity gives them the fuel to play for hours alone. Their pursuits are often creative and artistic, and they love bedtime story-telling time. This little tyke runs the gamut of emotions and, although unpredictable, he will wear his feelings on his face quite expressively. Whether contorted with tears, pouting, frowning, or lighting up the room with his gigantic smile – you’ll know pretty quickly where your little guy stands.  Although you may often wish you had just a wee bit more lead time to prepare for his latest mood.
Cancer is a water sign: emotional, changeable and sensitive. In fact, it could be argued that young Cancers even have more emotional needs than Pisces (which is hard to believe!). As we said, he will express those emotional needs, but the real, deep inner needs he often won’t share. He or she is simply too shy and fearful of rejection to go that far with entrusting his deepest needs and feelings. Trust us, though. He just wants love, warmth and adoration. Lots of hugs and kisses! He is so dependent on his family for his emotional needs. Yes, we are beating a dead horse, but if you don’t give him that touchy-feely adoring love and attention, then he’ll stay hard-shelled and aloof into adulthood which can greatly impede productive outcomes for his/her life. Despite this dependency on home life, Cancers are really individualistic and quite capable of being leaders. One thing we know: they are not followers. Consider Alexander the Great. He was a Cancer.
If you don’t over-spoil your little crab, then this little tyke is generally easy to control and discipline. But truth be told: most Cancer youngsters are usually spoiled. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, right? And this one is a squeaker. As we said, it’s a fine line you must walk. Just walk by his side – laugh with him, cry with him, cuddle with him, reassure him of your love and assuage his fears. Not only does the Cancer have a fear of rejection, but they also have a whole host of other fears (Cancers are “worriers”). You might need a nightlight for his/her bedroom. Whatever you do, express empathy and validate all of his feelings. Be persuasive with your accolades and let your little crab know he/she is good, kind, smart, funny, beautiful and greatly loved. In turn the child will become a patient, generous, loyal, sympathetic and open-hearted adult. Oh, and the crab doesn’t like to be teased. Try not to tease a Cancer. It’s not that they don’t have a sense of humor (quite the contrary!), but they usually don’t have a sense of humor about themselves. You hit too close to home regarding their fears of inadequacy or rejection.
In school, the Cancer child is usually drawn to the liberal arts. They love history and can recall with vivid detail anything they learn about the distant past. Their memory is amazing, so they usually do well in school. Teachers will, from time to time, complain about their daydreaming or obstinacy. They also have a tendency to exaggerate the truth and tell dramatic fibs. But this is part of that imagination that stimulates their make-believe world.  Another reason why Cancers are also drawn into directing, acting, art, painting and music. Cancers also make great friends. They are loyal and protective of those they love. They generously offer their sympathetic ear and are great listeners. They are charismatic and fun to be around, and display a goofy sense of humor. Cancers tend to maintain friendships lifelong because they nurture them. But if they are treated harshly, they can sometimes lash out cruelly in the same fashion.
Cancer is the most domesticated of all signs. Little male crabs tend to be “Mama’s boys” and the female crustacean will play at length with her dolls, setting up house and preparing for her own role as mother one day. As with the Capricorn, family is everything to a Cancer.  And as with the Sagittarius, a positive early home environment is critical to their well-adjusted adulthood.  Cancers are good with money, which helps provide their need for security as they get older. Encourage them to save their money which they’ll want to do naturally. Cancer is the “money sign” and they typically have a knack for attracting wealth. This is a sign with a strong sense of business mixed in with fun creativity.  Even if they harbor feelings of inadequacy deep inside, on the exterior they are tough as nails. They also rarely admit defeat.
Your best course of action is to heed our advice about their emotional needs and then try and relax. Be firm with your discipline, but be generous with your loving warmth. Avoid being too permissive and pampering, or your young Cancer will be caught off guard by the realities of the harshness of life when it’s time to leave the nest. The world won’t be as attentive to this youngster as Mama and Papa were, so they may be in for a shock in the “real world”. On the flip side, by carefully providing for this child’s emotional needs, you much better prepare him or her for a successful life outcome.  The sign of the Cancer covers the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, when the daylight is at its maximum capacity. This is symbolic of the Cancerean optimism.
As an empty nester, you’re likely to miss your Cancer child more than the others. Your home will feel vacant and quiet after he crawls away. You’ll even miss those loud, sensitive tears along with his/her silly laughter and quirky sense of humor.  You’ll remember fondly all of his/her many colorful moods that kept the household lively and dynamic. Enjoy them while you can.
Best Traits: tenacious, intuitive, perceptive, protective, supportive, encouraging, helpful, caring and kind, devoted, home-loving, dependable, imaginative, sensitive, self-reliant, compassionate, nicer than everyone else
Worst Traits: Over-imaginative, suspicious, introspective, touchy, moody, crabby, needy, clingy, devious, over-sensitive, self-absorbed, manipulative, possessive, always procrastinating
Recommended Children’s Books for the Cancer Child:  
Children’s Book Author Why?
Guess How Much I Love You Sam McBratney The Cancer child can never be told enough just how much he/she is loved.
Goodnight Moon Margaret Wise Brown Cancer’s ruling planet is the moon. This sweet child will also delight in the ritual of saying goodnight in a special way with his parents.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Judith Viorst The moody little crab needs to be reminded that everyone has bad days, so let’s find the humor in it!
Love You Forever Robert Munsch Cancers are often “mama’s boys” so he and mommy can cuddle up with this love-fest of a book.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Judi Barrett The Cancer has a goofy sense of humor, so they’lll love this hilarious tale of food raining down.
 Kitten’s First Full Moon  Kevin Henkes  This Caldecott Medal winning story about a kitten who mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk will delight the Cancer moon-child.
 Press Here  Herve Tullet  A unique picture book unlike anything else will certainly be enjoyed by the slightly off-beat Cancer child.
 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!  Mo Willems  A Cancer child is likely to benefit from seeing the tactics he/she uses in an effort to get their own way in this humorous book by Mo Willems.
 A Sick Day for Amos McGee  Philip C. Stead  Cancers can be quite nurturing, so they will love this book about Amos McGee’s friends taking care of him.
 Are You My Mother?  P.D. Eastman  A darling little story about a chick in search of his mother. The clingy little Cancer will love it.

 

Leo

Leo

Symbol:                 The Lion
Planet:                   Sun
Element:                Fire
Best Trait:             Exuberance
Worst Trait:           Arrogance
Keyword:                I WILL
If you’re due to have a Leo baby, prepare to move over and make room for this new center of the universe. Yes, we know that all precious babies are the centers of their parents’ universe, but the kingly lion is truly the center of the universe (including his or her own). Ruled by the Sun, which also happens to be the actual center of our universe, this is no accident. You can probably tell right away, within minutes of his or her birth, that regal quality emanating from the proverbial perch already firmly placed beneath him. He’s already looking down upon his kingdom eagerly waiting to get the party started.
Oh the Leo. How can you not just love a Leo? Their natural sunny dispositions and extroverted personalities win you over in an instant. It’s not to say that they don’t come with a whole other host of traits which can be trying for the ill-equipped parent against this gigantic personality. Leo children bask in the sunlight and need to be the center of attention. Still, they are maddeningly irresistible.
His or Her Majesty expects to be waited on and made a fuss over. If you make the bad mistake of spoiling a young Leo then you’ll have an impossible little monster to contend with, so take care to teach them early that he/she isn’t the only person living in his universe.  Try not to wait on them hand and foot because they will let you. The Leo child doesn’t like to do their chores or any boring old task which includes everything from brushing their teeth to cleaning up after themselves at the table. They need to be taught early on to help around the house so they understand the importance of teamwork. It’s like training a puppy – if you don’t put in the intensive work at an early age, you’ll have three or four times the work when they’re young children. Don’t let them set their own rules or you’ll be in for a world of regret later on. We think about the lion as the king of the jungle because of that fierce self-preservation and ability to intimidate all other creatures. But if you think about the cat, it’s also an occasionally lazy animal who likes to lie around and sleep a lot. So be prepared for your little Leo’s spells of laziness and indolence. They are also good little sleepers.
Physicality is a big trait with the Leo, even the little lionesses are occasional tom-boys. Always on the go and eager to lead the neighborhood gang in all sorts of fun adventures, the little lion can be reckless in their play. They have a daring-do attitude and a flair for drama so he’ll be climbing the fences, jumping the skateboards, and swinging from the trees, often showing off for their pals. This makes them prone to many a scraped knee or broken bone. They are just courageous and bold; almost completely unafraid. They’ll be drawn to most physical sports and will probably excel at them. They should be given the freedom to hone their talents and let loose that energy. Because they are born with so much confidence and self-assurance, there is also a danger they’ll be boastful and immodest. This is something for parents to look out for at an early age. Confidence is a trait you want to preserve, but don’t let it grow into arrogance.
Leos need freedom in which to grow and experiment. Don’t suppress that natural enthusiasm and zeal. It’s a difficult line parents of Leos must walk. Emotionally your little Leo can be turbulent and dramatic and really (and we mean really) try your patience. But he is also very needy for love, attention and applause. If you don’t give him enough attention, he’ll create his own. And with the Leo’s innate instinct for getting noticed, coupled with his flair for dramatics, you’re in for a very long day. What can I do? you ask desperately. Start early and be consistent and focused with this child – your little lion will most likely require more hands-on parenting than your other little rug-rats. The key is sincerity. First of all, Leos are naturally confident so it doesn’t take much flattery and praise to keep them encouraged and happy, but it must be real. Their Achilles Heel is their pride and that oversized ego. The way to break them is to damage that pride, so don’t lie to them. And try not to discipline them in public or in front of other people (they find such public assaults on their pride rather undignified). They’ll likely just act out more. You must be a role model to this child. You can’t just talk the talk, you must walk the walk. You can’t use arguments like “because I said so” or “that’s just the way it is”. You need to explain exactly why what you say, do and feel is important in the scheme of life.  They can be insensitive children so they need to understand the importance of compassion and how it will serve them well in life. Appeal to their vanity and pride in all lessons if you want a good output. He likes to feel superior to others, so turn it on him. Explain how [insert whatever you want here] will elevate his stature among others.
Leos are very intelligent and should do quite well in school. Although bringing it out often requires the most patient of teachers.  It’s that problem with authority we discussed earlier. Leos want to do what they want to do and exactly when they want to do it. And they don’t appreciate being told otherwise. In school, the Leo child can often be unruly or the class-clown in his effort to seek that limelight he so readily enjoys basking in. The frustrating thing is that Leos come into the world with a host of god-given talents, so he has the ability to overachieve if directed properly. Be vigilant of his study habits and develop them quickly to ward off his proclivity for laziness. Again, appeal to his or her vanity to get the desired result.  How doing well in school will give him all the accolades, praise and awards he’s so hungry for.
Yes, little Lions can be a handful, but Leo children have a friendly nature that generally endears them to everyone. They are lively, talkative and enjoy being around people.  They project a sense of excitement that’s both infectious and inviting. Leos are warm-hearted and generous, but also have no doubt about their lofty position in life. Some notable Leos include Napoleon Bonaparte, Fidel Castro, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Prominent female Leos are : Amelia Earhart, Madonna, Martha Stewart, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Seeing a theme here? Successful, charismatic and fearless leaders. That’s what you have on your hands.  Bring the most out of your little lion(ess) and you too will be the parent of greatness one day.

 

Best Traits of the Leo: confident, expressive, romantic, clever, noble, enterprising, loyal, gracious, friendly and fun, warm hearted, cheerful, determined, encouraging, energetic, irrepressible, courageous, generous, born to rule
Worst Traits of the Leo: arrogant, pushy, stubborn, jealous, brash, vain, dogmatic, haughty, smug, cunning, proud, over ambitious, patronizing, lustful, temperamental, controlling, pompous, bossy, interfering
Recommended Children’s Books for the Leo Child
Children’s Book Author Why?
Where the Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak
It’s a tale of suspense, action and fun which will appeal to the fearless and fun-loving Leo.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Mo Willems
A delightful story which illuminates the tactics typically used by small children who don’t get their way (just like a Leo!)
No, David! David Shannon
A story about the word “No!” – a word most distasteful to the Leo child.
Fancy Nancy Jane O’Connor
Fancy Nancy likes all things fancy – and the fancier the better. Good for Little Leo girls who like to play dress-up.
The Lion & the Mouse  Aesop, adapted by Jerry Pinkney Both a tale and a parable about two unlikely friends. Teaches the ferocious lion the meaning of loyalty and compassion.
Olivia Ian Falconer The story of a naturally active and curious child who wears her mother out each day. Sound familiar?
The Tale of Peter Rabbit Beatrix Potter The classic tale of a naughty little rabbit who must learn his lessons the hard way.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Virginia Lee Burton Little Leo boys will love the physicality of this story of a man and his steam-shovel who save the day.
Kitten’s First Full Moon Kevin Henkes Your little Lion will respond to this silly kitten who thinks the moon is a bowl of milk in the sky placed there just for her.
Library Lion Michelle Knudsen A lesson about rules as illustrated by a Lion who visits a library.

 

 

Virgo

Virgo

Symbol:                 The Virgin
Planet:                   Mercury
Element:                Earth
Best Trait:             Industrious
Worst Trait:           Complainer
Keyword:                I ANALYZE
Virgo babies are often full of contradictions. They are little enigmas wrapped up firmly in a riddle and very tricky to figure out. So what does this mean you ask, dear parent of a Virgin? Well, here’s what we know: you need to be ready for anything. Virgo babies are both fussy and fretful, but they are also calm and tranquil. They will likely be fussy about food, but respond well to the routine of feeding. They may cry a lot, but if you’re sure to keep order around their little existence (like changing wet diapers immediately), they’ll coo happily. They generally respond well to baths and prefer to be wearing clean clothes. Virgos have a subconscious drive for order and perfection and they often exhaust themselves just thinking about it.
Ruled by Mercury, the Virgo mind is sharp and crystal clear. As with the Gemini, the Virgin has a copyright on intelligence. Virgos are known for their talent of mimicry early on, and are often walking and talking in advance of other toddlers. They are also Mother’s Little Helper around the house, and accept their chores with dignified responsibility. Typically, the young Virgo is tidy and organized with his/her room, clothes and toys (but this is not universally the case). In play, they are usually systematic with how they line up their matchbox cars, build their Lego models or organize their dolls. They typically like to draw inside the lines. Imagination is not one of their strong suits, so you’d be serving your child well by introducing them to magical stories of fantasy early on. They need their perspective expanded, and you don’t have to worry about filling them up with impractical fantasies. They are far too logical and rooted firmly in realism to be blemished by illusion. But it may soften that intensity for control and order later in life and mitigate some of their nervous energy. Virgos also respond well to education-oriented toys and should be read to constantly to feed their active minds.  
Virgos are not excessive like a Leo or prone to spoiling like a Cancer, so be generous with your affection and accolades – lay it on thick because they’ll never let it go to their head. The Virgo child doesn’t ask for much lovey-dovey or physical affection, so you won’t realize how important it actually is to him or her. Older Virgos have a difficult time getting in touch with their inner feelings, so don’t be shy about lavishing them with emotional love throughout their childhood in order to strengthen their emotional self-esteem later in life. You should avoid teasing your young Virgin. They are more sensitive than first meets the eye, and they don’t have a sense of humor about themselves. They’ll take your teasing at face-value and it will hurt them deeply. Criticism should also be used in moderation; Virgos hate failing and too much disparagement will make them feel like a failure, causing them to worry greatly (to the point of becoming physically ill over it). Fortunately, you won’t have much cause to criticize your little Virgin because they are rarely troublesome and mostly do as they’re told.  You can also expect your Virgo child to be bashful and timid around strangers; this is not an extroverted sign like Sagittarius or Leo. Typically solitary, Virgos need to be encouraged to develop relationships with new people. At home they are usually quite gregarious, but in front of new people they may come across as haughty and aloof. The irony is that the Virgo makes a very friendly and loyal friend. They are great listeners, super trustworthy and very dependable.
School should go well for your little Virgo for three primary reasons: One, they are very bright, inquisitive and factual; two, they are obedient and don’t question authority (teachers love them!); and three, they do their homework. The focus with Virgo should be on what they’re doing well, and be careful and constructive when pointing out their mistakes. They prefer to find and correct their own errors instead of having them pointed out. They are also the type of kids that don’t like to be singled out in front of their classmates, and public speaking is sheer torture for the typically shy, self-conscious Virgin. The funny thing is that Virgos have a knack for drama – they won’t seek the glory of the starring role, but you’ll often find them directing or producing the show. They have clear vision and are very precise with their actions. The key to the Virgo’s success in school is to focus on the positive. Trust us, the Virgo himself is taking care of the negative. They are hard enough on themselves (but they’re not likely to admit when they’re wrong). At the end of the day, though, you can rest assured that the Virgo values education and understands its importance. You won’t have to do much pestering in this area.
The Virgin is naturally modest and self-conscious, and they are quite private. Your best advised not to meddle in their adolescent crushes or rib them about the opposite sex. Virgo is the sign that’s most often associated with bachelors and spinsters because they don’t easily form close relationships and they’re not risk-takers in matters of love.  Ironically, the Virgo has a great capacity for love and they truly care about people, so they are generally excellent partners. They just don’t wear their emotions on their sleeves. This is why we encourage demonstrative love at an early age. It will serve them well later in confidently forming future relationships with a little bit less fear. They are never quite sure of how good-looking they are (which they usually are) or how clever and interesting they are (which they usually are). Convince them of this when they’re children. Virgos are not apt to become arrogant, so compliment them as much as you want.
Virgo children are great kids and generally quite easy to parent, though they are far from perfect. While they constantly strive for perfection, the cruel joke of life is that there’s no such thing as perfect.  It just doesn’t exist. But with the Virgo, there’s always room for improvement – they have an incessant determination to improve, accomplish and perfect. What does this mean for you? Your child will be responsible, obedient, sincere, sympathetic and helpful. But he’ll also have spells of fussiness, complaining and obsessive-compulsion. For the most part, this child is easy to handle and a dependable companion for mother and father. Just do what you can to mitigate that penchant for worry and secret self-doubt. This little one needs you more than he/she can communicate. They communicate everything with crystal-like clarity – everything, that is, but their own inner feelings. Just because they are such good kids who don’t often give you any trouble, that doesn’t mean they don’t need your attention. Just the opposite.  They think they need to be perfect in order to be loved. By ignoring those deep emotional needs (which is easy to do with the Virgo), you are denying them the very thing that will make them emotionally well-adjusted adults. Hug them, kiss them, praise them, play with them – let them laugh, give them the space to lighten up that usually serious, stressful mood of theirs. They need permission to relax, and they need the reassurance that they’re loved for exactly who they are.
And who are they exactly? They are a little package of contractions as we first said. They don’t display neediness for love, but they need it desperately. They have a calm and tranquil demeanor, but inside they are a bundle of nerves with a restless energy. They are shy and reserved, but surprisingly perceptive, funny and friendly. They have difficulty forming close relationships, but they make the most loyal and dependable friends and partners. They are intelligent, precise and orderly, but often can’t see the forest for the trees. They can’t take criticism but they have a tendency to focus on the negative. They strive for perfection but are terrified of failure. The best way to bring out their most positive traits (and they have a ton of them!) is through affectionate love, constant encouragement and genuine acceptance.

Best Traits of the Virgo: Observant, dedicated, sympathetic, creative, organized, reliable, analytical, kind, sensual, efficient, helpful, thoughtful, witty, charming, industrious, compassionate, sexy as hell

Worst Traits of the Virgo: Over-critical, bitchy, fussy, always complaining, pedantic, indecisive, always worrying, shrewd, annoying, anal-retentive, obsessive-compulsive, argumentative
Recommended Children’s Books for the Virgo Child
Children’s Book Author Why?
Shel Silverstein
Virgos like to be useful to others, and this is a story about giving selflessly for the benefit of another.
Judy & Ron Barrett
A hilariously messy story about food raining down should help the Virgo lighten up!
Crockett Johnson
Harold with his purple crayon will help teach your Virgo the importance and fun of imagination.
Sam McBratney
Little Nutbrown Hare has a difficult time putting his love into words should help the little Virgo know he isn’t alone!
Philip C. Stead
Virgos are little caretakers so they’ll respond to this story of Amos McGee’s friends making him feel better.
Bill Martin
A charming alphabet book and read-aloud favorite will both delight and educate your little Virgo.
Not A Box
Antoinette Portis
This is a book that encourages the little Virgo to do what he doesn’t do naturally: “think outside the box”
Nancy Tillman This is a story that reminds little Virgos that everyone makes mistakes
Dr. Seuss
Teaches the little Virgo that chaos does return to order, but in the meantime, have some fun!
On the Night You Were Born Nancy Tillman
A wonderful and demonstratively loving book for parents to read affectionately to the little Virgo.

Libra

Libra

Symbol:                 The Scales
Planet:                   Venus
Element:                Air
Best Trait:             Charming
Worst Trait:           Indecisive
Keyword:                I BALANCE
You know how every stranger says, almost as if it’s a requirement, “Oh my! What a beautiful baby you have!”? Well, if you have a Libra baby then they’re actually telling the truth. Libras are almost always cute, dimply, gorgeous little babies, so get ready to hear that comment often. Parents of Libra babies are far more likely to be accused of conceit since their heads get full of these constant compliments. Indeed, the gods are smiling upon you, because not only are Libra babes good-looking from the get-go, they are also generally well-behaved children. Their symbol are the scales, so they tend to be well-balanced. You’ll seldom have screaming red-faced baby on your hands, one who resists feeding, sleeping and diaper changes. It’s not to say you won’t experience some of this ill temper, it’s just not a common practice with the Libra baby.
Those aforementioned scales are a two-way street, though. Because Libra youngsters (and adults) like to keep things in balance, they have a hard time making a decision, so try not to put too many choices in front of your little toddler. It will both confuse and frustrate him. It’s best to give them food, clothes and toys one at a time, so they don’t have to figure out what to eat, wear or play with first.  They prefer you to take charge and set the routine, and eventually they’ll forget about their indecisiveness and do things naturally. Try not to rush him. Making decisions is hard for the Libra, but making them under pressure is sheer torture. You’ll incorrectly judge that he’s stubborn, but this just isn’t the case. You need patience to let the little one figure out for himself. Hurrying them will only cause anxiety and then you’ll find yourself back at square one. Be pleasant, use a gentle voice and he’ll get it done. Training a Libra to make up his mind early is a gift that will come in handy later in life. The less you rush them as youngsters, the more comfortable they’ll be deciding for themselves later on. Plus, their natural cautiousness allows them to avoid accidents and mistakes down the road. Decisiveness is an important trait in life, so make sure to guide them into that process smoothly by making gentle suggestions (never use a harsh voice). If you upset their precarious, underdeveloped balance at a young age, Libras tend to grow up neurotic.
Like Aquarius, Libra is an air sign, and as such they are good-natured, inherently kind and objectively fair. Ruled by Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, Libras are also creative, sensitive and romantic. They need peace and quiet more than other babies and children. Soft colors should adorn their nursery and gentle music should float in the background. Avoid cartoons and movies that depict any kind of violence until he’s much older – we’re talking about violence as seemingly innocuous as Wile. E. Coyote and his Acme bombs or the flying monkeys in the “Wizard of Oz” – to the Libra it can be jarring and damaging. They prefer peace and calm. They are happiest when their surroundings are structured and serene. 
In play, Libras prefer even-tempered playmates. They are born charmers and have a knack for making other kids feel important, so who wouldn’t want to hang out with a Libra?  Your little Libra is likely to be easy-going and agreeable. They also love luxury more than any other sign, so Libra girls will often play dress up and Libra boys will have a pocketful of sweets. Neighborhood kids will constantly ask if they can come over and play. It’s just that the Libra’s bedroom is the place to be. It’s most likely filled with possessions coveted by all other kids. Libra’s love things and will fill their room with the best of the best if they can (depending on the generosity of their parents). And they probably will have everything they want. Like the Cancer, Libra children are often spoiled – but for different reasons. The Cancer is a squeaky wheel who gets the oil, but the Libra provides sound arguments at an early age for why they should get their way. Plus, they are innately charming and too hard to resist. Parents find it extremely difficult to say “No” to their Libra children. They will obey your rules only if they’re fair.
In school, Libras tend to be underachievers. Let’s be clear, though. They are bright and curious and a lover of facts. They have the ability to see the bigger picture because they want to consider all possible sides to an issue. They are argumentative and usually a member of the debate team, but at the end of the day, Libras dislike hard work and have a strong streak of laziness. Libras can be an irritant to teachers because of their “know-it-all” attitude and their penchant for arguments. They just can’t stand one-sided views and so they relentlessly argue the other position until they feel balance has been achieved. They’ll skate by on their natural intelligence and solid, logical minds. They’re also artistic and musical so don’t be surprised to see them in the starring role of the school play or playing an instrument in the school orchestra. Cheer them on!  The sign of Libra rules books, so encourage reading and writing. Many Libras love English class and often excel in presenting their well-rounded view. You may have heard, Libras often become lawyers because of their love for facts, their keen intellect, their ability to see all sides and their persuasive power or argument.  Plus they are just sticklers for fairness.
Peace is worth everything to them, so provide a tranquil and loving atmosphere at home. Give them tender love and affection. Don’t rush them; guide them slowly and gently into decision-making matters. Try to resist spoiling them too much (especially with the sweets or you’ll have a weight problem on your hands). Give them privacy. Encourage them in school and let them argue their points. At the end of the day, Libras are people-pleasers with easy-going natures. They have trouble saying no. Help them learn the meaning of “no” so they don’t stretch themselves too thin or harbor resentments. The Libra comes into this world well-balanced. They are incurable idealists, totally captivating and thoroughly charming. What more could a parent ask for?
Best Traits of the Libra: Idealistic, easy-going, affectionate, expressive, sincere, fair, stylish, well-balanced, good mediator, romantic, sociable, artistic, creative, charming, diplomatic, communicative, absolutely fabulous
Worst Traits of the Libra: Escapist, easily influenced, flirtatious, gossipy, style-slave, sulky, flighty, self-indulgent, overbearing, extravagant, gullible, narcissistic, always undecided, impatient, intolerant of criticism, manipulative
Recommended Children’s Books for the Libra Child:
Children’s Book Author Why?
Pinkalicious Victoria Kann Stylish, romantic and typically fabulous, the Libra girl is likely to love PINK.
Fancy Nancy Jane O’Connor Nancy believes MORE is always better, just like the sometimes overly-indulged little Libra
Animalia Graeme Base This beautifully illustrated book will appeal to the artistic Libra child – while they learn their ABC’s to-boot!
Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type Doreen Cronin An off-beat story about cows who demand their rights through typed notes to the farmer is sure to hit home with fair-minded Libra.
Tumford the Terrible Nancy Tillman A well-meaning but stubborn kitty can teach a thing or two to the sometimes overbearing little Libra.
Tikki Tikki Tempo Arlene Mosel The well-balanced Libra will adore this book about a boy (with an extraorindarily long name) who falls down a well.
I Want My Hat Back Jon Klassen Libra children will understand this deliberately understated picture book.
The Lorax Dr. Seuss Idealistic Libra children are sure to benefit from this Dr. Seuss classic.
Art & Max David Wiesner Libra children are very artistic, so they will love this story of friends who paint together.
The Rainbow Fish Marcus Pfister The most beautiful fish in the sea finds happiness and new friends when he learns how to share his most prized possessions.

Scorpio

Scorpio

Symbol:                 The Scorpion
Planet:                   Pluto
Element:                Water
Best Trait:             Idealism
Worst Trait:           Obsessive
Keyword:                I DESIRE
When the stork delivers this sturdy, robust little baby to the hospital, you’ll be pleasantly amazed by how healthy (s)he looks. That’s by design, you see. Your little Scorpion needs a strong little vessel to contain that enormous personality of his! The Scorpio can be largely defined by two words: intensity and complexity. Get ready to brush up on those parenting skills because this little strong-willed guy will challenge you in more ways than one. In return, you’ll be rewarded with an intensely loyal, loveable darling.
The little Scorpio is packed full of personality. Even as a baby you’ll stare at him with wonder. He’s a little enigma wrapped in a riddle. Because the Scorpio is a bundle of contradictions, he is often the most misunderstood of all the signs. At once he’s loving yet cold, passionate yet brooding, independent yet clingy, forceful yet fragile. He requires firm and constant discipline to bring out his best qualities and set him on the right path. We are serious about the discipline part. Don’t underestimate how important it is that you show him whose boss otherwise he’ll quickly run you over like a steam roller. This is not a child for the feeble, permissive parent. He naturally wants to dominate and control anyone who lets him. As a baby and child, his small stature will be his disadvantage so use it to your advantage now. He admires strong and decisive people, so if you show consistent fortitude, he’ll eventually gain your respect and follow your rules. You’ll be thankful you have him under your control once he starts to walk and talk.
Ok, so we covered the necessary discipline part and the importance of you exerting your authority with this little tyke. We don’t want to scare you. His ability to sniff out weakness and manipulate it to his advantage is nothing short of legendary. Be strong, dear parent, or else you’ll end up being the one obeying him! Even with all his strength and force, he requires gentle affection and nurturing love. Be firm, but be loving and empathetic to his needs. He is a water sign, after all, so he is a mixture of complex emotions and underneath all those strong feelings beats a soft and kind heart.
 Young Scorpios are wary of strangers, so it may take him a little longer than other kids to form friendships on the playground. But when he does, they are likely for life. As mentioned earlier, Scorpios are intensely loyal. Betray their trust, and you have an enemy for life. If another kid deliberately breaks his toy or kicks his friend, we should let you know now – a Scorpion child will seek revenge. This not a kid that lies down and takes injury lightly. He never forgets. He likes a good fight and he intends to win. You’re best advised not to step on his tail or you’ll get stung lickity-split! On the flip side, he remembers every act of kindness and repays it in spades. Other kids are drawn to his magnetic personality and unbreakable courage. But the Scorpio is careful in selecting his friends; once he does, his loyalty knows no bounds. In play, you should consider building your child a tree house or backyard fort. He loves secret hiding places. If your child is a Scorpio girl, give her a diary with a lock and key so she can hide away her secret thoughts. Magic sets are a sure-fire hit too, as it feeds the Scorpion’s interest in mystery. Scorpions also love the forbidden, so keep a close eye on this mischievous little bugger!
In school, Scorpios are quick learners. As a water sign they are innately wise beyond their years. But the Scorpion in particular has a brilliant mind. The thing to watch out for once he starts school is that same old discipline problem. His teacher will be both impressed by his sharp little mind but frustrated by his sometimes unruly behavior. He needs a patient yet firm teacher and/or coach in school. Someone who he views as stronger than him; it’s only then that he’ll figure they’re worthy enough to learn from. In response, he’ll be an honor student and the star of the baseball team. In school, their ability to grasp concepts, along with their energy and drive to be the best, will win them generally high marks (and possibly class valedictorian). He likes to solve mysteries, so he may be drawn to science or medicine. But let him pick what he likes most and he’ll flourish. The things he wants, he wants badly. And trust us, he’ll succeed in achieving what is most important to him and he’ll prove to be the very best in his chosen field. On the sports field, this one is a fierce competitor who can withstand an uncanny amount of physical pain without flinching. A true gladiator spirit.  
Whenever people tell me their baby is due under the sign of Scorpio my first response is “Oh dear, have fun with that one!” But I say that with total admiration. Yes, parenting a Scorpio takes constant work because of their intensely complex little personalities which need to be guided toward their most positive aspects. But when your work is done, this child has the power to change the world. So fearless and driven is he! Some examples of Scorpions who have fundamentally changed their fields of work: Fyodor Dostoevsky in literature; Ted Turner in broadcasting; Bill Gates in computer science; Pablo Picasso in modern art; Demi Moore & Julia Roberts in women’s stature and pay in film; and Teddy Roosevelt in environmental preservation. These are not leaders; these are winners. You, my friend, have a little champion on your hands.
Best Traits of the Scorpio: Passionate, tenacious, complex, investigative, clever, brave and loyal, magnetic, social, good memory, protective, deep, sensual, resourceful, self-reliant, dynamic, intuitive, determined, totally hypnotic
Worst Traits of the Scorpio: Volatile, obsessive, suspicious, demanding and jealous, brooding, moody, shrewd, compulsive, intense, hot-tempered, overbearing, cunning, lustful, impenetrable, secretive
Recommended Books for the Scorpio Child:
Children’s Book Author Why?
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Judith Voirst Scorpio children can be moody. This funny story about a bad day should help them see the humor in life even when everything doesn’t always go your way.
 Peek-A-Who?  Nina Laden  The investigative, little problem-solving Scorpio is sure to love this fun guessing book by keeping him/her stimulated.
 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  Bill Martin, Jr.  It’s never too earlyto learn by memorization and the Scorpio was a uncanny ability to commit things to memory. This easy rhyming book will be a breeze for the scorpion.
 Zen Shorts  Jon J. Muth  Stillwater the Panda shares his stories with three children. Only the complex little Scorpio will easily  understand concepts of Buddhism woven throughout the tale.
 Corduroy  Don Freeman  Scorpios are hugely loyaly little creatures, so the beloved relationship between a girl and her teddy bear is sure to delight them.
 One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish  Dr. Seuss  No one rhymes better than Dr. Suess. His books are practically made for Scorpio children who are likely to memorize the rhymes faster than most children.
 Curious George  H.A. Rey  Scorpios can be little mischief-makers just like Curious George. They are sure to find a kindred spirit in this darling little monkey.
 On the Night You Were Born  Nancy Tillman  The deeply loving Scorpio child will lap up this sentimental story as you read to him/her just how special they are.
 Pat the Bunny  Dorothy Kunhardt  The Scorpio is highly intune with his/her senses, so even the baby Scorpion will respond early to this discovery book.
 The Lion and the Mouse  Jerry Pinkney  The naturally protective Scorpio will love this rendition of an Aesop fable where a ferocious lion takes mercy on a little mouse.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

Symbol:                The Archer
Planet:                  Jupiter
Element:               Fire
Best Trait:            Optimism
Worst Trait:          Bluntness
Keyword:               I SEE
You may have felt a little poking in your womb before your Sagittarius was born. Your little Archer was probably nudging you with his arrow asking to be let out and get the show on the road. All alone in your belly for nine months, this little one was ready for some human companionship. Once your baby Sag comes into this world, his adventurous little spirit and insatiable curiosity is guaranteed to bring color and excitement into your life.
But first thing first: hold fast to this baby and keep him close. Sagittarians need human companionship more than any other sign – particularly as babies and toddlers. They don’t like to be left alone and are soothed when held and most comforted when around the human action of talk, laughter, smells and touch. They are more likely to fall asleep in the middle of a party then alone in their own crib upstairs and away from all the action. If you deny them this much needed human companionship as youngsters, they’ll retreat and find some substitute security blanket all the while resenting you for life (and requiring therapy in their adult years). Sags are the most social of all the signs and desperately need interaction with people particularly as youngsters. Eventually they grow into independent, freedom-loving and self-reliant young people, but in their early years they are like little kittens attached to the warmth and reliability of family. Do all you can to give them this security.
Assuming your little archer is getting all the human touch and interaction he requires, you’ll have a very contented baby and child on your hands. Sagittarians are happy-go-lucky, cheerful and adventurous. Their curiosity is unquenchable so get ready for constant questioning. “Because.” will never work as an answer to this kid. They need to know why, why and why. Don’t make up the answers or lie to them either. These little tykes are honest to a fault (almost tactlessly so) and they demand honesty in return. Take the time to answer their questions sincerely, honestly and openly. They have one of the sharpest “Bullshit Detectors” around. The only thing they are likely to hide are their own hurt feelings, so actively encourage them to talk about their disappointments. Sagittarians are known for thinking about their feelings, but rarely talking about them. It’s good for them to purge now and again.
As mentioned earlier, Sags are quite social so they’re likely to have many friends. They aren’t shy and they’ll befriend just about everyone in sight. Their adventurous streak and curiosity about most things will attract other children into their playful, energetic world. They are bighearted playmates and sharing comes naturally. They can be generous to a fault, so teach them the value of money and possessions early on. They can also be slightly mischievous resulting in some trouble, so you must explain the rules to them more carefully than others. And rules need to make logical sense to the Sag or else he’ll easily disregard them. Rules must be obeyed for their own good, but these rules better be based on something meaningful rather than empty parental convenience. They will respect authority only if it makes logical sense and you’ll have to lay out that logic to gain their respectful obedience. Otherwise they’ll stare you down defiantly, fearlessly and without hesitation.
In school, your little archer will likely do quite well. Intelligence and the curiosity for knowledge will propel them in their lessons. They thrive in more progressive educational environments and respond less to structured teaching methods. The Sag has a restless spirit so they need challenge in innovative ways. Gently push them toward Honors classes if he shows the aptitude (which he most likely will). They like to be challenged with new and bigger ideas. Honest to a fault, this is a child who will never cheat in school. Your little Sag will also discover the opposite sex and romance earlier than the others. Kindergarten crushes allow them to test out their femininity or masculinity. Nothing serious, but their awareness of romantic love does come earlier than other signs. It’s all very innocent, don’t worry, but you may have to have the dreaded “birds-and-the-bees” discussion sooner than you’d like.
As your little Archer grows older, his inherent independence will strike sooner than you’d like. We all want to prepare our children to leave the nest, but it’s like a stab in the heart when they actually do. Be prepared for your little Sag to display signs of self-determination and autonomy before your other kids. They have a hunger for life’s experiences and once their family foundation is firmly rooted, they want to get the show on the road. Optimism is the hallmark of the Sagittarius, so their future always shines brightly and they truly believe in what’s awaiting them around that corner. Even in their darkest of moods, this optimism is simply unbreakable. It’s one of their most protective of traits. And freedom is one of their most valuable possessions. Don’t deny them their own life’s adventure. Let them live their life to the fullest and put their Jupiter versatility to work. It’s hard to believe this child who wouldn’t let you out of his sights as a baby is now so ready to leave the nest. But don’t worry; if you did your job right, he’ll always come flying back.
Best Traits of a Sagittarius:  Frank, enthusiastic, stimulation, optimistic, generous, candid, impulsive, open and honest, fair, sensual, eager, carefree, sincere, good-judgment, adventurous, positive thinker, desired by everyone
Worst Traits of a Sagittarius:  Irresponsible, careless, frivolous, aloof, blindly optimistic, blunt, rigid, overly critical, over confident, boastful, demanding, domineering, tactless, unrealistic, restless, outspoken, impatient
Recommended Children’s Books for the Sagittarius Child:
Children’s Book Author Why?
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Dr. Seuss This book was practically written for the adventurous Sagittarius
The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein A perfect children’s book for the naturally generous Sagittarius.
Love You Forever Robert Munsch It’s important to show a lot of demonstrative love to the Sagittarius child.
Someday Alison McGhee Mother wants baby to live life to the fullest. The Sag baby most likely will!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dr. Seuss The Sagittarius sign is close to Christmas, and this is the best Christmas classic ever.
Where the Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak The impulsive Sagittarius is likely to find him/herself off to bed early without dinner, too! But they are also quite capable of entertaining themselves.
The Cat in the Hat Dr. Seuss The Sagittarius child will delight in this madcap adventure with Seuss’s notorious cat.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Judith Voirst The unbendable optimism of the Sag is strong enough to get him/her through even the worst of days.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric Carle A very hungry caterpillar eats through the pages of this funny book sure to delight any Sagittarius kid.
Blueberries for Sal Robert McCloskey Adventurous Sag will love adventurous Sal as she meets a baby bear while picking berries with her mother.

Capricorn

Capricorn

Symbol:          The Goat
Planet:            Saturn
Element:        Earth
Best Trait:      Determination
Worst Trait:    Rigid
Keyword:        I USE

When F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote his now-famous short-story, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, he should have placed the baby’s birth sometime between late December and early January. Why, you ask? It’s because Benjamin Button embodies the very essence of a Capricorn: They are born little old people and grow younger as their lives progress. Maybe it has something to do with the “old” year going out, and the “new” year coming in since this sign spans the period over New Year’s. Whatever the reason, these little babies come into the world naturally equipped with some “other-worldly” knowledge of how things should be. They don’t suffer fools too easily.
Don’t be surprised by the eerily old looking face smiling up at you from the crib. And smiling he will be. Capricorn babies are not fussy or prone to temper tantrums. They are easy-going babies. If your due date is in Capricorn (sun sign) or you already have a Capricorn baby, now is the time to take a big sigh of relief. Parenting a Capricorn is usually a walk in the park. Self-possessed, weirdly mature, and naturally independent, your little Cappy can practically parent himself.  Later on, as your Capricorn grows a little bit older, you’ll sometimes wonder, hey, who’s the parent here and who’s the child? This little goat is capable of teaching you a thing or two!
Wise old souls are these little tots. They are deliberate in everything they do, as if everything is pre-organized in their sharp little minds. They’ll sit there quietly as you change their diaper; hey, they understand it’s something that needs to be done. No problem. Ok. Bedtime time? Whatever you say, Ma. Your little Cappy will let you do the things you need to do without much resistance, but if you think for one second that they don’t have their own agenda; think again. His determination is a quiet one, but this determination has the patience of Job. Go ahead and say “No” – he’ll accept that (or so you think). If it’s something the little tyke really wants, well, you might as well go ahead and save yourself some time – give in now. Eventually, he’ll wear you down, and trust us, he’s the authority on what’s important more than his harmlessly naïve parents are. He doesn’t fuss much, but when he does, pay attention.
Little Capricorns tend not to respond to the “goo-goo-gaa-gaa’ing” and silly baby talk bestowed upon most babies. He’ll probably look up at you with his soulful eyes wondering what planet you come from. This is an earth sign, so return to earth, please, and treat him with some dignity. Oh, they’ll giggle and be playful like most babies and toddlers; they’re not grumpy at all – in fact, the opposite. They are just more, well, grown up than most youngsters. They like routine, which is a welcome break for parents of other signs who might find themselves fighting the stubbornness of the Bull or the Ram, the high-maintenance of the Pisces or the Leo, or the anal-retentiveness of the Virgo. I always say, it would be a cruel trick by the gods if your first born was Capricorn, because then you’d think parenting was easy-street. It’s not. Capricorns just give that impression. They are duty-bound.
Your little goat will probably prefer the company of adults and older kids to their own contemporaries. In their play, they like to be the parent, teacher, doctor or some form of the older person in charge. If he’s the first born, his siblings will naturally admire and pay due respect to this “grown-up” child; if he’s the younger born, he’ll humor his older siblings by letting them boss him about. But not really; it’s just something he does dutifully given his station in life. He’s just so loyal to his loved ones, he wants to give them their own spot-light. He won’t have as many friends or followers as the Sagittarian or the Leo; he’s more selective than that. One, two or three friends is all he needs. Family fills up the rest. Home life and family are everything to the Capricorn. This is the most loyal sign to family, above all others. If your child, sister or brother is a Capricorn, someone has your back forever. If there’s ever dissent from a Capricorn family member, you better take a look at yourself. It’s rare, but if it happens (hate to break it to you), he’s probably in the right. It takes a lot for a Capricorn to separate from the loyal bonds of relatives, always giving them the benefit of the doubt and playing mediator. They see the chinks in everyone’s armor, and will only use it to their advantage if warranted. Otherwise, they address other people’s insecurities with compassion as if they have some first-hand understanding from a previous lifetime. A loyal family member to the end; what more could you ask for? Oh, and pets. Definitely get your little Cappy a pet. They are part of the family and will be treated with the same respect as any other family member.
Capricorn children take their duties seriously, so you usually won’t have to stay on them about their chores or homework. They like to take care of their obligations before moving onto leisure time. It’s that maturity we discussed earlier. Capricorns are thorough and careful in their approach which will show up later in their schooling. It may frustrate teachers who wonder if this cautiously slow student is “getting it” – but he is. Next thing you know, he’s the class president. It’s no wonder, once his classmates realize the innate sense of responsibility and reliability of the Capricorn. Not a natural extroverted leader this one, never demanding the spot light. Rather, he earns it through his own hard won actions. It has everything to do with his patience, perseverance and quiet determination. This is the mountain goat that takes his time, but will eventually reach the top. Everyone always looks up to the Capricorn; it’s like they were borne from kings and queens.
These children are rarely rude or crass; they are definitely not the bullies in their classroom. They just want to be liked. Make sure to encourage their intelligence (one of their innate traits), because they are often insecure about that. They don’t want to be thought of as some dorky “smart” kid. Which is why they go out of their way to be warm, generous and loyal. They want to earn love more than accolades. Sensitivity is a sign of the little Cappy even if they seem to see the world though black-and-white glasses. They have a high sense of right and wrong. They are rule-bound, so there is seldom grey-area for these ones. You don’t need to tell them the rules, and they’ll resent you for even trying. They know more than you. Somehow. Some way. They know more than you.
Best Traits of a Capricorn:  Resourceful, ambitious, determined, organized, realistic, canny, patient, goal-oriented, strong-willed, witty, loyal, hard-working, efficient, high-standards, fearless, responsible, thoughtful, steadfast, simply irresistible
Worst Traits of a Capricorn:  Skeptical, stubborn, rigid, status-seeking, holds a grudge, wary, miserly, anxious, unmovable, pessimistic, never satisfied, over-ambitious, insatiable
Recommended Children’s Books for the Capricorn Child:
Children’s Book Author Why?
Richard Scarry’s What People Do All Day Richard Scarry The hard-working Capricorn will enjoy learning about all the grown-up jobs out there.
Everyone Poops Taro Gomi Capricorns don’t discuss things scatological. Maybe this book will help lighten them up on this point.
Tumford the Terrible Nancy Tillman Tumford is a well-meaning but stubborn kitty who won’t say “I’m sorry”. Guess who else needs to learn these two simple words? 🙂
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dr. Seuss Capricorns are born right around Christmas, and what better Christmas Classic than this?
Owl Moon Jane Yolen A charming story about a child who goes “owling” with his Pa “way past his bedtime.” The oddly mature Cappy children won’t blink an eye.
Amelia Bedelia Peggy Parish The direction-following Capricorn will find the literal-minded Amelia Bedelia hilarious.
The Lion and the Mouse Jerry Pinkney Totally wordless, this book is perfect for the patient, determined little goat.
Ferdinand the Bull Munro Leaf The hard-working and ambitious Capricorn can stand to stop and smell the flowers like Ferdinand.
Caps for Sale Esphyr Slobodkina A cap peddler tries to outwit a band of monkeys. The “Cap”ricorn is sure to love “Caps” for Sale.
The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein Capricorns are immensely loyal and extraordinarily thoughtful with those they love. They are the Giving Tree.