How to Parent an Aries

The astrolgical calendar refreshes every year at the start of Aries season, so Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and therefore has the most energy. Spring is a time of rebirth, and Aries season brings that youthful, childlike energy with it. As a sign, Aries represents the first stage of life, and people born under this sign have a desire to experience and know everything. They learn through doing. 

If you have an Aries child, you probably never have any time to rest. Aries children like to be on the go, and they grow impatient and restless when they feel contained. Because they have so much fire inside, it’s important that they have healthy outlets to fully express themselves — arts and crafts, playing with other children, or engaging in sports. If they don't have these outlets, they may have outbursts of anger and frustration.

They do best in groups of other children where there’s a stimulating activity, such as going to the playground or participating in sports. Aries is also an extroverted sign, so you’ll never have to worry about them making new friends. Your aries daughter or son will probably be a natural-born leader, but at times they can be a bit bossy. It is important that they learn how to slow down, think before they react, and become more flexible and open to other people's opinions.

Relationships between signs are not one-way streets, and your cosmic makeup plays a role, too. Knowing what your sign brings to the equation can help you figure out how best to interact with your little one. 

If You're a Fire Sign...

Leo, Sagittarius, and fellow Aries parents, there is no limit to what you and your child can accomplish. You motivate one another to go after what you want, and you’re always up for the same type of active fun like going on adventures, playing outside, or doing anything that is physical. In a few years, you’ll have the perfect travel partner. There’s a definite playful spirit between the two of you, and you both approach life with an optimistic, can-do attitude. You’re also able to teach them good leadership skills.  

Since you’re both so hot-headed and opinionated, there could be clashes from time to time. Neither of you want to be wrong, which may lead to unnecessary arguing. When your Aries child gets worked up, try to practice patience with them and see things from their perspective. If you stay calm, they'll eventually do the same.

If You're an Earth Sign...

When you’re a Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn parent to an Aries, you have the potential to make a great team. Earth-sign parents can help ground Aries children. They help channel their energy into something productive. They can also help their children see things more realistically. Aries children have the tendency to bite off more than they can chew, so an Earth-sign parent can encourage them to be calm and more practical about what they can accomplish. Help them channel their strong motivation into something concrete and productive. Your Aries child will be inspired to start new projects, but once the initial excitement wears off, they'll grow bored and move on to the next thing. Because you know it takes time and effort to get a job done, you’re able to teach them how to finish what they starts.

However, make sure to fit time in for fun along the way. Aries children aren't as entertained by work as you are, so they may grow frustrated if they’re not allowed time to be their loud and entertaining selves. Set your boundaries with them, but be more open to having them follow their strong senses of adventure.

If You're a Water Sign...

Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces parents, you are able to teach your Aries child how to be more compassionate. Aries children are often so concerned about getting things going that they forget to consider other people's feelings. Help them step back and develop greater empathy for others. Aries children can be quite demanding, so you should urge them to reflect on how their actions may affect others. Pretend play in which they are the friend and you are them can be particularly instructive.

Fire and water aren’t known to mix, so misunderstandings may arise between you two because you process emotions in completely different ways. While you may be more reflective and need alone time, your child is always “on.” Since Aries children have so much energy, you can help them channel their passions into creative work. If they’re not up for physical activity, arts and crafts or music are good alternatives.

If You're an Air Sign...

Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius parents, take note: You balance each other out. Since you are more open-minded, you’re willing to try out whatever they want to do. It's easy to see things from their perspectives, and the possibilities are endless when you’re together. Fortunately, you both like your own independence, so you can appreciate when your child needs space to go off and do their own thing.

When Aries children are set on something, they tend to have one-track minds in reaching their goals. They can grow temperamental if they don’t immediately get their way, so suggest alternative options rather than giving up. On the flip side, as an air sign, you can be in your own head. Instead of overthinking everything so much, your Aries child helps you jump into life and learn from experience.

A Vogue alumna, Alice Bell was initially drawn to astrology to answer questions in her life related to relationships, work and her emotions. Friends and coworkers began approaching Alice, looking for similar answers to their challenges. Even though she has helped numerous clients, she is still amazed by astrology’s transformational effects. Follow her @stalkalice.


This article is part of an ongoing series about parenting by sign. Read about parenting a Pisces or Taurus.