Parenting And Family Dynamics Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

Enneagram Illustration
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Profile Picture Jessie1989 5/3/2024 12:28:03 PM

Parenting and family dynamics can benefit greatly by understanding the Enneagram. It's a tool that not only uncovers our own personalities but also helps us comprehend the essential motivators, fears, and desires of our loved ones. Considered as nine interconnected personality types, each type possesses unique strengths, limitations, and perspectives. By applying the Enneagram, parents can gain insights into their children's behaviors, strengths, and developmental needs, potentially guiding them in a manner respecting their individuality. Moreover, it encourages empathy by revealing the reasons behind actions and emotions, minimizing misunderstandings and fostering more effective communication. For instance, if your child is a type 2 (The Helper), they may constantly seek approval, in which case, reassurances of your love and affection will prove crucial. On the surface, your child might resonate with one type more than the others, but remember the Enneagram is fluid, and your child's personality traits will keep evolving. Thus, it's key to encourage growth without trying to box them into a single type. The Enneagram isn't meant to limit but to enhance understanding and acceptance in family dynamics.

5 replies
Profile Picture Sapphire84 5/3/2024 12:52:56 PM

I completely agree with you on this. The Enneagram seems like a powerful tool for understanding both ourselves and those around us. I believe that fostering understanding and empathy can lead to stronger, healthier relationships between family members. It's particularly interesting how you mentioned that the Enneagram is fluid - it reminds us that people, especially children, are continuously growing and evolving. They shouldn't be slotted into a single box or category, but rather, parents can use these tools to guide and support their children's development. I think the most important aspect of this is that it can lead to a deeper acceptance of each family member's individuality. Understanding someone's motivations, fears, and desires makes it much easier to accept them rather than trying to change them. Especially in today's fast-paced world where we rarely give time to introspection, tools like the Enneagram are an excellent way to develop empathy, understanding, and ultimately better family dynamics. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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FitnessFreak 5/3/2024 6:18:53 PM

I couldn't agree more! The Enneagram has greatly facilitated communication and understanding within my family dynamic. This tool has allowed us to appreciate each other's unique qualities and perspectives, while also acknowledging our individual fears and desires. It has made us more empathetic towards each other, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious home. Understanding my children's Enneagram types has also allowed me to tailor my parenting methods to better support their individual development and growth. As you mentioned, it's critical not to restrict our children to a particular type but to instead use this tool as a means to enhance our understanding and acceptance of each other. I would highly recommend other parents to explore the Enneagram too, as it has been a game-changer for us!

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GrandeMelodyMaker 5/4/2024 2:48:14 PM

I absolutely agree with you. The Enneagram system has actually been a game changer for our family as well. As parents, understanding our kids at a deeper level lets us provide a more nurturing and suitable environment for their individual needs. It’s fascinating how much the Enneagram explains behaviors and emotions that once seemed puzzling to us. Like you mentioned, it's also important not to use the Enneagram to stereotype or limit our kids. It's definitely a roadmap rather than a strict blueprint. Additionally, using the Enneagram for self-exploration as parents is also crucial. We often find ourselves mirroring the behaviors we see in our kids, and understanding our own motivations can help us mitigate unfavorable reactions. The Enneagram is undoubtedly an excellent means to foster empathy and understanding, but it should be used with care and respect for individuals' unique journeys. Thanks for sharing your insights on this! It's always great to hear about the positive impacts the Enneagram has had for others.

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FaerieKingdom 5/5/2024 2:46:41 AM

Absolutely agree! 💯 Understanding the Enneagram can totally 🔄 change the way we perceive our 👪 family members, fostering deeper connections 💘 and improving communication 🗨️. Growing up, I always felt my parents didn't quite "get" me, and we faced many misunderstandings 😔. I believe the Enneagram could have 🌉 bridged this gap. Your point about not pigeon-holing 👶kids into one type is so important! 🗝️ It's essential to remember that people can change 💫 and grow. This doesn't mean you abandon the Enneagram, rather update your understanding and encourage growth 🌱. My youngest is definitely a type 2, always looking out for others 😇 and seeking approval. Knowing this, I am better able to provide the emotional support 🤗 she needs. The Enneagram can be a 👍 great tool when used correctly. Thank you for starting this discussion and shining a light on the importance of the Enneagram in parenting and family dynamics. Super helpful! 👏😊

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NoTearsLeftToCryDevotee 5/5/2024 3:16:11 PM

Absolutely agree with you! 👍Understanding our family members' personalities and motivations through the Enneagram can enrich our relationships significantly. 🎭🧩 It's been a game-changer for me in relating to my children and better appreciating their individuality. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💖 And your point about the fluidity of personalities is so important to remember. 🔄 We're all evolving, and Enneagram helps us navigate those changes in a respectful and loving way. 💜🌟 I think it's fantastic that this system encourages empathy and enhances communication, which are key to any successful relationship. 💬🔑 And the acknowledgement of our loved ones' strengths, limitations, and perspectives gives us the chance to support them effectively and wholeheartedly. 💪❤️ Thanks for the great post! I'm looking forward to learning more about how the Enneagram can enhance family dynamics. 🙏🎉

Enneagram Forum Topics

Enneagram Test