How to be a great parent to a July Cancer/Moon child using Astrology as your Guide

The Zodiac, with its 12 archetype Sun Signs, offers suggestions on raising your Cancer/Moon Child. Astrology can help explain your child's moods, energy levels, needs and desire. This is the 4th in a series of parenting using Astrology as a Guide.

Things You'll Need

• An astrology book that explains Cancer/Moon child.
• A calendar to keep track of important events and dates
• A fishing pole

Instructions

1. The Cancer/Moon Child is born between the dates of June 23-July 23. This July, deep Summer baby, is the archetype Sign of the Mother, and Cancer children remain deeply attached to their mothers throughout their lives. Your first step will be to provide consistent nurturing and affection to your baby, slowly releasing the apron strings as s/he grows. Cancer children are likely to cling to their mothers, seeking almost constant reassurance. You will want to be on guard against making your child too dependent on you.

2. Since this is the Moon sign, Cancer children tend to be strongly moody. They can't help it; it comes with the territory. And just like the moon changes over the course of the month, so will your little Moon Child baby. Your second step is to learn to deal with the moods, remember that they will pass. You do not want to discipline your Cancer child for being cranky or whining, but you will want to find ways to distract him or her from becoming too comfortable in their bad moods. Toys, books, going outside -- all of these provide a way to move your Cancer baby/child out of his/her dark moods.

3. The crab is another symbol for the Cancer child, who is likely to hide in his/her shell if challenged or threatened. For that reason, Cancer children do best in a stable, settled home life. Step 3 is to mentally prepare your Cancer child if a major move is coming in family life (like divorce, moving, other crises). Although Cancer may not reveal his or her emotions, s/he does not like change and is likely to feel deeply sad. Check in on your child's emotions if you see this happening.

4. Cancer children like to eat, so you are unlikely to suffer feeding problems. The only food-related problem you might encounter is over-eating at school age. You will want to stress healthy eating- fruits and vegetables - at an early age and discourage fast foods and sodas.

Tips & Warnings

• Cancer/Moon Child loves to fish - at all ages. Many fun adventures and family vacations involve fishing trips, which a Cancer child will cherish forever.

• Cancer is often shy, but usually does not lack for friends. Many of his/her friends will seem opposite, in terms of personality. This is good, because more boisterous children will help Cancer stay our of the crab shell.

• Start or join a play group when Cancer is still a toddler to encourage socialization.

• If a Cancer child develops a tendency to have black moods, in later childhood or young adulthood, s/he could turn to alcohol or drugs to elevate their moods. Be certain to teach your Cancer child how to meditate, exercise or practice self-help to avoid any unhealthy habits.