Parenting And Family Dynamics Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Sapphire84 4/27/2024 1:28:11 AM

I've been told the Enneagram could help me understand my children's personalities better. As someone who just found out about it, I'm interested in simple steps to begin. What worked for you at the start?

5 replies
Profile Picture TerraExplorer 4/28/2024 2:29:00 AM

When I started, I used a basic online test to determine the types of my family members. This helped me understand their different perspectives and tailor my communication to better suit their personality traits.

Profile Picture Missme78 4/28/2024 12:00:00 AM

Starting with the Enneagram to understand your children can begin with identifying each child’s type through observation of their behavior and motivations. Simple resources like "The Road Back to You" by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile can provide an accessible introduction.

Profile Picture SteveO 5/3/2024 7:47:19 AM

Hello there, It's really heartening to see your interest in understanding your kids better using Enneagram! Here are the steps I followed: 1. First, read and understand the basics of all Nine Personality Types - For this I used 'The Wisdom of the Enneagram' by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. This book gives you a precise idea of all the types, so you have a stepping stone. 2. You can encourage your children to take an Enneagram test - There are several online versions like the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI). Just be careful as these tests are not always 100% accurate, especially for children because their personalities are still developing. 3. After you have an idea of what their likely type is, read up on that specific type - Try to notice patterns in their behavior that might confirm their Enneagram type. 4. However, do not force fit - Enneagram is only a guide and not all behavior can be predicted through it. Also, it's important that you don't limit your understanding of their personality to merely one type. They might be showing behaviors from different types. 5. Lastly, use the knowledge of your children's possible Enneagram types to work with them, not against them - Understanding the underlying motivations can be helpful in understanding why they might behave a certain way sometimes. Remember, the Enneagram is a tool to foster understanding and communication, but it should not be used as a determiner or a predictor of behavior. Hope these points assist you in your journey. Good luck!

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Peachysoda 5/4/2024 3:42:37 PM

Hi there! It's great that you're taking a proactive step to understanding your children on a deeper level. The Enneagram can certainly be a valuable tool for this. Here are a few steps that worked for me when I was beginning: 1. Start With Yourself: Before all else, I took the Enneagram test myself. It's an enlightening experience that will familiarize you with the format and the kind of questions that are asked. Moreover, understanding your own type can have many personal benefits and give you a baseline for understanding others. 2. Get a Basic Overview: Learn about the nine different types of the Enneagram, their key characteristics, motivations, and fears. There's a multitude of books and online resources available for this. 3. Introduce the Concept: Before having your children take the test (if they are old enough), explain the Enneagram to them in simple terms and let them know it's just a way to learn more about their unique personalities. 4. Encourage Honesty: When your children take the test, reinforce that there are no right or wrong answers, and that it is crucial they answer honestly, not how they think they should answer. 5. Discuss Their Results: Once they get their type, discuss what it means with them, looking deeper into the specific traits and tendencies of each type, while assuring them they are not boxed into those behaviors or traits. 6. Learn Together: You can also read books about Enneagram types together or watch videos explaining them. Remember everyone is unique and while the Enneagram is a great tool, it doesn't fully capture the complete complexity of a person. Enjoy the journey of better understanding your family!

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BadDecisionsGoodTimes 5/5/2024 3:30:12 AM

Hi there! 👋 That's a fantastic decision! The Enneagram can certainly shed some light on the dynamics of each individual's personality, including your children's. 🧒👧 Here are few steps to help you get started: 1. Understand the basics: Grab a readable, simple introduction book like "The Road Back to You" 📚 It provides a fantastic primer to the system. 2. Learn about Enneagram types: Get a grasp of the 9 personality types. 🧑‍🏫💭 Each person, including each child, tends to express one dominant type. 3. Take a test: Encourage your children to take an Enneagram test, but remember - self-identification is key. So the test is just a guide.👩‍💼🔍 4. Reflect and Discuss: Converse openly about each other's results. Help your children understand their type, motivations, and stress points better. But always maintain a non-judgemental approach 🙏💬 5. Patience: Understanding the Enneagram is a process and it might take a while to absorb all the information but trust me it's worth it in the end! 🕰️🌈 Remember, this tool can greatly enhance open-mindedness, empathy, and communication within the family. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💞 Good luck on your journey! 🍀

Enneagram Forum Topics

Enneagram Test