The Eight Child
Eight children often feel as if the world is not a safe place and that everyone is exploited, manipulated, or mistreated. As such, they usually identify with someone they see as particularly forceful or strong enough to counter the dangers. If they have a benevolent yet powerful role model, they are usually gentle souls who rescue and protect the vulnerable, be it smaller children, pets, or even insects. If they have a brutal, aggressive, or belligerent role model, they can become bullies who may still protect others but often through the threat of strong-arm tactics. Eight children are bursting with energy and typically develop a lust for power that energizes them. When feeling hyperactive, they metaphorically bounce off the walls. Eight children often require patience and lessons on restraint. They need consistency and calm, rational responses to their outbursts or attempts to control. They can have extremely rigid ideas about what they want to do and what they absolutely won't do. Underneath this bravado you often find a child who is steeling himself against an unsafe world and fighting back the only way he knows how.
How to nurture an Eight child: Help her feel safe in the world and reassure her that she can count on you for protection and stability. Help her access her softer side and teach her the benefits of benevolence. Listen when she expresses her feelings of being undermined or disrespected. Show her ways to contain her strength by gentle rather than overt assertion, and provide structured activities that engage her curiosity and her mind.
Some behavioral problems that may indicate possible danger ahead when it comes to raising Eight children:
They rarely show vulnerability or sensitivity to others.
They can be rebellious, contentious, demanding, and physically intimidating.
They have great difficulty sitting still long enough to focus on homework and rarely finish expected tasks without an unpleasant power play.
If they feel ignored or misunderstood, they react by throwing a temper tantrum or exploding in an angry outburst that could be a verbal barrage or a physical lashing out.
They walk around with a combative attitude and consequently get into physical or verbal fights at school.
They constantly defy authority and think they know better than school administrators.
Healthy Eight children are bursting with energy, but they channel it in positive ways. Wise parents of Eight children will give them a list of chores they will enjoy doing and can take pride in doing well, and encourage them to participate in physical activities that will keep them busy and burn off unspent energy. Eight children need a safe, stimulating, and stable family environment.
