Emotions, Behavior and Discipline

Capricorn’s planetary ruler is Saturn, the task-master planet, demanding life lessons learned through hard work. This gives the Capricorn child the demeanor of a wise sage. Your Capricorn child has a tendency to worry about doing things the right way. Like their sister Earth sign, Virgo, they have a knack and a desire for doing things efficiently and to a very high standard. Because of their perfectionistic and ambitious nature, they tend to be hard on themselves, often chastising themselves for their mistakes or oversights. This may look like tantrums and anger directed towards you. Unfortunately, what they tell themselves inside is worse. To help them learn kinder self-talk, make sure you encourage and praise their efforts. The little mountain goat wants to climb to the top so badly that they often forget that they’ve made so many strides towards their goals along the way. Help them see their dedication and skillfulness more clearly. Remind them of all the steps they took to get where they are and how all of those steps were already accomplishments. Make it a habit to celebrate them for everything they try to achieve even if they fail or lose interest. They love to be recognized for their achievements, so by paying attention to them for their efforts, they will feel encouraged to keep going and be easier on themselves.

Similar to their opposite sign, Cancer, Capricorns are very nurturing but differently. While Cancers are mothering, Capricorns are fathering. Capricorns feel they are the foundation of the family and desire to take care of everyone. While they feel deeply, they don’t often show it by big displays of affection. Instead, they show they care by doing things for people. So if your son or daughter makes you breakfast or wants to help with the dishes, know that they are showing you how much they love and respect you.

Capricorns are independent-minded and prefer to problem solve on their own. If they need help, they will ask for it but may also feel lousy because Capricorns often feel they need to take care of everything themselves. Structure and achievement-loving Capricorn will respond well to schedules, sticker charts, and rewards. Capricorns will often be great at completing tasks, but they have their own way of doing things. They may resist how authority wants them to do something. Help them set goals of doing things well the way others require, and then, when appropriate, they can organize their tasks how they prefer. By learning to do both, they will be more successful in the world. They make great employees. They work hard, love to get the job done and in a cost-effective way, but they can be stubborn about wanting to get people, including their boss, on board to do it their way. They have a reputation for wanting to be the boss in everything. Allow them to be the boss at times, but let them know they have to follow the lead when an authority figure wears the boss hat.

Capricorns approach issues in a very rational way. You can reason and talk through problems, and Capricorn will listen. But, of course, their initial reaction might be to show stubbornness. Still, when things are logically explained, and your child is given some space to reason with it on their own, they will come around to doing what you asked.

Feeling responsible for everything can be a hindrance for Capricorns. Like Virgo children, they need their parents and friends to help them relax. Make sure you involve your Capricorn in a lot of fun activities consistently. Doing things that make your Capricorn and the family laugh will benefit you all greatly and set them up for a good work/play balance later in life. As an Earth Sign, Capricorns love the outdoors and all things nature. Make sure they spend some time outside every day to calm their high-strung tendencies.