Parent/Child Sun Signs
Introduction
This is a series of short introductory articles looking at some ways in which the influences of the various signs might manifest in a child and later on as a parent.
Cancer
Children born with the Sun-sign of Cancer are sensitive, gentle and kind. Their compassion, and urge to nurture and care for things can often be seen even when they are very young. These are the children who will bring home injured birds and stray animals to be looked after. They also have great receptivity to the thoughts and feelings of those around them, and so will react strongly to any ups and downs in their close environment. Any changes or disruptions in their home, or in the familiar people in their daily life, could cause some apprehension. Childhood associations will always be very important to these children. People and places will be remembered with great fondness, and they will enjoy recalling past happy memories and events.
These children experience strong emotions. Although at times they may appear shy and introvert, this is often just their way of covering any doubt or uneasiness they may be feeling. This outer reserve is their protective covering to shield them from what they see as harsh realities in the world. They are very affectionate and so may well be easily hurt. Being especially sensitive to criticism, they need plenty of encouragement and praise to bring out the best in them. They also require a lot of reassurance that they are loved, so as to help them build up confidence in themselves and their abilities.
The need to belong and to be needed is a strong Cancerian trait. For these children, a close family bond will be extremely important, and they will rely on this for security and assurance well into their teenage years. When they feel secure, loved and accepted, they will then be able to go out into the world and achieve their dreams and ambitions. The home-loving instinct is strong, and if at any time they feel disquiet or upset, it is here they will retreat and stay until it passes. However, it might not always be easy for them to tell you why they are agitated - they will expect you to know why, and so it may take some patience and tact to find out exactly what it is that is causing their troubled feelings.
Cancerians may not make friends easily, but once made many turn out to be life-long friendships. They may not be the most adventurous of children. It may take some effort to get them to try new foods or to engage in a new hobby, for example. However, they do have powerful imaginations, and if this is encouraged and thoughtfully directed in their early years, it can be a wonderful way of expressing their innate creativity and resourcefulness. When young, they will enjoy playing games and being entertained, and as they grow, artistic hobbies and pursuits might well appeal. Cancer is known for a tendency to hoard, and so many children of this sign enjoy collecting things.
The Cancer child has the potential to be a high achiever. They can be tenacious and hard working once they have decided upon a particular course of action. However, they do not like to fail, and so it is important to help and encourage them from an early age to discover their own particular aptitudes and interests, and to develop and unfold them.
Cancer adults make caring and protective parents. They often have very strong maternal or paternal instincts and an intuitive rapport with their families. They provide a good home and supportive background for growing children, but they can worry a great deal about them and in particular, their future happiness and security. As they are basically practical, and able to manage the business side of things, they usually plan carefully for the future, in order that their families can be well-provided for.
As Cancer is the sign of home and family, a deep involvement with their children usually comes effortlessly. Being naturally sympathetic and emotional, looking after others, comforting and safeguarding them, is their main concern. The need to protect their loved ones is very strong, and so one of the difficulties many of these parents here have to face is in allowing their children to develop independently, and eventually to go their own way. Letting go does not come easily, and sometimes this can lead to their youngsters feeling a little held back. Having said this, being so family-orientated, and receptive to the thoughts and feelings of others, any worries or disagreements can soon be worked out amicably.
