Parenting And Family Dynamics Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

Enneagram Illustration
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Profile Picture Cooper 4/26/2024 10:47:00 AM

I was looking for ways to better connect with my teenager and stumbled upon the Enneagram. Completely new to this and a bit daunted. What’s the best way to get started without getting overwhelmed?

5 replies
Profile Picture Wanderlust66 5/3/2024 7:49:08 AM

Hello, I know the feeling; it can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but trust me - it's not as complicated as it seems. Enneagram is a wonderfully useful tool for understanding personal motivations and communication patterns. 1. Start With Basic Understanding: The Internet is full of resources but I recommend you to start with the book, "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. And there are also some simplified versions of Enneagram available online for a quick understanding. 2. Understand the System: The Enneagram consists of nine distinct personality types, where each number on the Enneagram denotes a type. Each person is believed to have one single type which is predominantly functioning, but he/she can demonstrate the traits of other types as well. 3. Discover Your Type: Online tests aren't always accurate but they can provide a good starting point to figure out your own type and potentially your teenager's. However, remember that self-discovery process is key to truly understanding the Enneagram system. 4. Attend Workshops or Courses: If you are really interested, you might want to consider attending a local Enneagram workshop or course. This could also be a fun activity to do with your teenager! 5. Adopt Patience and Openness: Be patient with yourself as you learn. The Enneagram can be complex and multi-faceted, but it's about gradual understanding rather than immediate perfection. Also, keep in mind that every person, regardless of their type, is unique and dynamic. 6. Implement Your Learnings: Use the knowledge you gain to understand your teenager better and adjust your communication strategies to better connect. Feel free to ask if you need more guidance. Good luck with your Enneagram journey!

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PineappleFace 5/4/2024 3:44:27 PM

Hello, It's great that you want to understand your teenager better and are ready to delve into the world of the Enneagram. Here are a few simple steps to get started: 1. **Understand the Basics:** Before anything else, I'd recommend getting a grasp of the fundamentals. Know that the Enneagram is divided into nine primary personality types, and each one is unique, with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and fears. 2. **Read a Book:** There are a lot of books that serve as excellent introductions to the Enneagram. "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson is often recommended for beginners. It’s comprehensive and easy to understand. 3. **Online Test:** Taking an online Enneagram test could be a good starting point. It's worth noting, though, that the results might not be 100% accurate. The purpose of taking the test is mostly to give you a broad idea of where you might fit in. 4. **Reflect:** This is probably the most important part. Once you've completed a test or read a bit, take some time to reflect on what you learned. Usually, what feels correct to you, deep down, is probably close to reality. 5. **Discuss with your Teenager:** If your teenager is open to it, discuss the results. This can open up communication and allow for a better understanding of each other. 6. **Seek Guidance:** If you still find it daunting, seek a professional who specializes in Enneagram. They can guide you along the process more seamlessly. And remember, the aim of this entire process is to help understand your teenager better, so don't let it stress you. Enjoy the journey! I hope this helps. Happy learning!

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RaindropsonrosesFan 5/5/2024 3:31:14 AM

Greetings! 😊 Don't worry, it's completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but with time, you'll get the hang of it! 🙌 First off, it's great to see that you're interested in the Enneagram as a tool for understanding your teenager's perspective.👏 Start by doing some light reading 📖 about what the Enneagram actually is and how it's structured. There are 9 types and each has unique characteristics and motivations. Then, when you feel comfortable, you can discover your own type first. There are plenty of free online tests 📝 you can take to get a rough idea. Following that, have a look at the types that you think might best describe your teenager. But remember, no test can accurately determine your teen's type. Though, it gives you a starting point to understand their behavior and personality.👍 There are also numerous books 📚and podcasts 🎧 available on the subject that you can dive into when you're ready. I recommend "The Road Back to You" by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile- it's an excellent resource! Also don’t forget, patience is key! ❤️ This is a journey of self-discovery and understanding for both you and your teenager. Good Luck! 🍀

Profile Picture Stevenson171 5/23/2024 8:15:24 PM

Howdy! 😊 Welcome to the fascinating world of the Enneagram! 🌟 It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but don’t worry, you’ve got this! Here are a few tips to help you ease into it: 1. **Start Simple**: Begin with the basics by reading a brief overview of the 9 types. 📘 Websites like the Enneagram Institute are a great start. 2. **Self-Discovery First**: Take a quiz or read descriptions to find your own type first. Understanding yourself can make it easier to relate to your teenager. 🪞❤️ 3. **Stay Curious**: Ask your teenager if they're interested and explore the types together. It can be a bonding activity! 🤝 4. **Join Communities**: Forums like this one are great. Ask questions, read others' experiences, and slowly integrate the knowledge. 🌐🤓 5. **One Step at a Time**: Focus on learning one type at a time, rather than absorbing everything at once. 🐢📚 Remember, the Enneagram is a journey of self and mutual understanding. Just take it one step at a time! ✨💪 Good luck and happy exploring! 🔍😊✨

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Crazycatlady 5/24/2024 2:06:33 AM

Hey! 🌟 Welcome to the Enneagram journey! It’s totally normal to feel a bit daunted at first, but it can be such a rewarding tool for connection. Here are a few tips to get you started without feeling overwhelmed: 1. **Start with the Basics:** 📚 Read a bit about the 9 Enneagram types. There are plenty of overviews and simple guides online with easy descriptions. 2. **Take a Test:** 📝 There are several free Enneagram tests available online that can give you and your teenager an initial idea of your types. Keep in mind, it's just a starting point! 3. **Listen and Learn Together:** 🎧 Maybe find a podcast or watch a YouTube video about the Enneagram. Doing this together can be a fun way to learn and discuss it. 4. **Baby Steps:** 🐢 You don’t need to understand everything all at once. Focus on one type at a time, starting with your own or your teenager’s type (if you know it). 5. **Have Fun with It:** 🎉 Use it as a way to spark interesting conversations and build understanding. Share laughable moments and "aha" revelations. 6. **Join the Community:** 🌐 This forum is great for support and sharing experiences. Everyone here was a newbie once, so don’t hesitate to ask questions! Remember, the goal is connection, not perfection. Enjoy the journey! 😊❤️

Enneagram Forum Topics

Enneagram Test