Momscopes: The Aquarius Mom

January 20-February 18

Mommy Magic: Your Strengths & Gifts

Youthfulness

You’re an avant-garde mommy who’s up on the latest books, movies, music and slang—and it doesn’t even seem weird that you know it. Aquarius is the futuristic sign of eternal youth. No matter how long you’ve been on the mommy track, you manage to stay hip and connected to the cultural zeitgeist. Even Aquarius Sarah Palin—love her or hate her—managed to set trends with her glasses and stylish updo. You’re the mom whose teenage kids’ friends come over to visit YOU, and your daughter will always want to borrow your clothes. You’ll sit around shooting the breeze with the kids for hours, telling them tales of your own rebellious years. You believe that the “school of life” is just as important as college (the educational system is corrupt anyway…and off you go on a political tirade about that). As a parent, you probably won’t shelter your kids for long. You believe that the more they’re exposed to, the better equipped they’ll be to handle and understand life.

Independent Spirit

You’re the zodiac’s bohemian, and even if you don’t show it on the outside, you’re a free spirit to the core. You march to your own beat, set your own rules, and if people don’t like it, who cares? You’re a live-and-let-live kind of person. This attitude can set a great example for your kids, especially in an age where bullying and self-esteem issues run rampant. With you as their role model, your kids will be proud of their individuality and differences—and nobody will be able to mess with them. While some Aquarians can be politically extreme or even eccentric, most have a deeply compassionate and humanitarian side. You’ll teach your kids tolerance, expose them to diverse groups of friends, and ensure that they understand their responsibility to the planet. You’re the kind of mom who gets her kids involved in charity or volunteer work. If you don’t already do this, rally the troops to serve meals to the homeless, pitch in at an animal rescue, or spearhead a neighborhood cleanup. Aquarius is a social sign that rules group activity. You’ll organize the neighborhood block party and host the playdates. You love being around people and will teach your kids how to get along with people from all walks of life.

Mama Mia! Your Challenges & Issues

Lack of Boundaries

Aquarius is the sign of friendship, and you treat your kids like peers or equals. To a certain extent, this is fine. But when the **** hits the fan, somebody’s got to be the authority figure. If it’s not you, then they’ll be left to figure out their own sense of right and wrong, and it won’t be pretty. Setting boundaries makes children feel safe, because it lets them know their limits. Your own ability to say “no” helps them develop a moral compass,. Don’t let your desire to be liked interfere with parenting duties. Sure, your ability to (seemingly) relate to them could lessen conflict during the turbulent teen years. Or…it might just confuse them. Don’t get caught up in reliving your youth through your children. You also need to be mindful of the people you bring into your home. You’ve been known to make friends with some out-there people, and some of them aren’t appropriate company for the under-18 set. Better to meet those wild-child friends out on the town, or even to lessen the time you spend with them. It won’t steal your precious youth if you join a Mommy-and-Me group or find some friends who quit smoking pot after college.

Turbulence

Aquarius is ruled by unpredictable Uranus, the planet of sudden moves. Your temper, moods, and even romantic partners can be subject to change without notice. While your wild ways may have made you a favorite storyteller with the brunch set during your Sex and the City years, it can leave your kids feeling scared and unrooted. It doesn’t help that you’re drawn to narcissistic types who are intense and unstable. You can get easily caught up in relationship (or other) drama, which distracts you from your kids. As an Air sign, you blow with the wind and follow your impulses. Your attention is easily scattered. But your nomadic ways can be destabilizing for your children, which leaves them feeling out of sync with their peers, even unsafe. The remedy? Make sure you maintain a strong individual identity, even after you become a mom. Set up multiple creative and emotional outlets so you don’t lose touch with your youthful side. If you try to be the perfect Happy Homemaker mother, you’ll only want to rebel, and motherhood will feel like a trap. Find the right balance between honoring your individuality and being a source of consistency in your children’s lives.

Famous Aquarius Mamas: Sheryl Crow, Minnie Driver, Elizabeth Banks, Camilla Alves, Christy Brinkley, Alicia Keyes, Denise Richards, Sarah Palin

Next up: Children’s Horoscopes—What’s Your Child’s Sign? >