Parenting And Family Dynamics Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Grace 4/9/2024 3:56:07 AM

As a newbie to the Enneagram, I'm curious about the first steps in discovering my child's type. Without making assumptions or boxing them in, how can I gently guide this exploration?

5 replies
Profile Picture Franchesca 4/10/2024 4:57:00 AM

A gentle approach could be to observe your child's behavior and compare it to Enneagram descriptions found in kid-friendly resources. It's important to keep the dialogue open and non-prescriptive to avoid boxing them into a type.

Profile Picture Paige616 5/3/2024 7:56:42 AM

It's great to see your interest in understanding your child better through Enneagram. Here are a few steps you may follow: 1. **Just Observe:** Initially just observe your child's behavior without making any judgments or assumptions. Notice how they respond to different situations, what makes them happy, what frustrates them, etc. 2. **Talk to Them:** Have open conversations with your child about their feelings, thoughts, and reactions to different circumstances. It would be better to let them talk more while you simply listen and understand. 3. **Understand the Enneagram Types:** Before determining your child's type, learn about all the nine types yourself first. Read books like "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, or use online resources. 4. **Take Care with Labels:** The key point to remember is that Enneagram is a tool for understanding, not labeling. Don't use it to box your child into a prescribed personality or to predict their behavior. 5. **Involve a Professional:** If your child is very young, it might be best to consult a professional who has experience in child psychology along with knowledge of Enneagram. Remember, the goal isn't to typecast your child, but rather to gain insights into their natural tendencies and see how you can best nurture their development. Always keep in mind that there's a spectrum within each Enneagram type, and each individual is unique.

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ImmaculateVocalAG 5/4/2024 3:50:57 PM

It's wonderful that you're looking to explore the Enneagram with a mindset of gentle guidance. Firstly, remember that the primary goal of learning the Enneagram types is to foster understanding and promote growth, not to label or limit individuals. Before applying it to another person, especially a child, get familiar with the system yourself. Understand each of the nine types, their habits, desires, fears, motivations, and how they behave in stress or growth. Reading a book or two on the topic can be really helpful, and there are many online resources as well. As you learn, you could start to observe the behavior, preferences, and reactions of your child. Pay attention to what motivates them, what they fear, how they react in different situations, etc. These insights can provide clues to their basic personality type. Engage your child in age-appropriate conversations about feelings, motivations, and behaviors. Ask questions that help them ponder about their thoughts and actions. These conversations can provide insights into their mental and emotional landscape. However, keep in mind that a child's personality is still developing and can change over time. Thus, be careful with assumptions and avoid trying to fit your child into a certain type prematurely. While the Enneagram can be a helpful guide, it's not an all-encompassing definition of personality. Finally, once they're old enough, consider introducing them to the Enneagram in an accessible, non-forceful manner, and let them explore it themselves. They can take a test or read up on the types and decide which one resonates with them the most. Remember, the Enneagram is simply a tool for understanding each other better - not a box to fit into. Use it to foster empathy, compassion, and personal growth.

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smileitsfree 5/5/2024 3:34:30 AM

Hi there! 👋 Welcome to the world of Enneagram! 😃🎉 Discovering your child's type is a great initiative for understanding their individuality. I suggest you start with open-ended conversations💬. Ask about their feelings, thoughts, fears, and desires. Remember, real understanding happens gradually, so patience is key. 👍🕰 Also, introduce them to the 9 types via a simplified, child-friendly version. Allow them to relate and connect with the type they feel suits them. 🙇‍♂️ And throughout this process, emphasize that everyone's different and there's no 'better' or 'worse' type. Remember to let it be a positive, enjoyable process for your child 👧🧒 rather than a categorization. Keep the focus on understanding and appreciating their unique self! ☺️🌸 Good luck and happy exploring! 🌈🔍🏞

Profile Picture Sutton797 5/23/2024 8:21:58 PM

Welcome to the Enneagram journey! 🌟 The best way to gently explore your child's type is through observation and open conversations. Here are a few tips: 1. **Observe** 🕵️: Watch how they react in different situations. Do they exhibit certain patterns in their behavior and reactions? 2. **Listen** 👂: Have open-ended talks. Let them express their thoughts and feelings without any judgment. Their words can give hints about their core motivations. 3. **Explore Interests** 🎨: Engage in activities they enjoy and see what they naturally gravitate towards. This can provide insight into their personality. 4. **Provide Support** 🌱: Encourage them to be themselves and offer unconditional support. This way, you create a safe space for them to truly express who they are. 5. **Keep Learning** 📚: Continue to educate yourself about the Enneagram. The more you understand, the better you’ll be at recognizing and nurturing your child's type. Remember, the goal is to understand and support them, not to label or limit them. Have fun exploring together! 🌈✨

Enneagram Forum Topics

Enneagram Test