Have you taken the Enneagram Test?
WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of the recently resurfaced personality test called the Enneagram Test. It categorizes the human psyche into nine different personality types, not to be mistaken as a ranking system. It’s extremely useful for understanding the inner workings and motivations behind human behavior.

While it’s awesome to understand why we react and act differently in situations, both positive and negative, using this information within relationships could also be beneficial – specifically in motherhood.

If you haven’t taken the Enneagram Test yet, feel free to take this free one HERE then see which number you’ve been given. Be sure to look at your WINGS as well. It’s not possible to solely just be one type of personality. The Wings are given as another side of your personality in certain situations.

Check out the 9 different Enneagram types below and see if it sounds familiar! 

ONE: THE REFORMER [The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful & Self-Controlled]

Better known as the Perfectionist. 1’s have a very firm belief that things are done a certain way for a reason and the same thing applies to their children.

What your child can gain: Your kids will learn about boundaries, a firm concept of right and wrong.
How to help yourself: Breathe more and be flexible. While rules are great, sometimes you need to let them play in the dirt and see you’re not just about rules. Be open to trying a different way to get something done. Just because something can be done one way doesn’t mean it’s the only way.

TWO: THE HELPER [The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous & People Pleasing]

These are the parents that give out warm fuzzies and are constantly pouring into others. 2’s will go out of their way to make someone’s day just a little bit better, even if it throws their own off. Thinking of a genuinely selfless person? They’re probably a 2.

What your child can gain: Your child will always feel loved without a shadow of a doubt. Your listening skills shine when they want to talk and they’ll never feel neglected.
How to help yourself: Even though you want to shower your kids with love constantly, be sure you’re not smothering them. Allow them to make decisions on their own and establish some independence but still be around to assist if they stumble.

THREE: THE ACHIEVER [The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven & Image-Conscious]

3’s are goal-oriented with a nice dose of optimism so raising kids is considered their highest form of success. Heard of the 10,000 Hour Rule? It’s a concept from a non-fiction book titled The Outliers. The author, Malcolm Gladwell, believes the key to any success in an athletic sense is to work on a specific athletic skill for 10,000 hours over the course of 10 years. 3’s would believe the same concept: extra practice, staying late, additional hours will result in greatness.

What your child can gain: They will witness all the hard work you put into everything and that characteristic will be instilled in them. Consistency & dependability will be a cornerstone of their life.
How to help yourself: While the 10,000 Hour Rule is up for debate, make sure your children respond to the pressure of achievement. Take moments to relax and be the example that rest is also necessary.

FOUR: THE INDIVIDUALIST [The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic & Temperamental]

Know of an artistic parent that really stresses the importance of self-expression? They could be a 4. These parents are deep in their emotions and want to have their kids be the same. Big socializing events may not be their thing, but they’re all about the 1-on-1 time.
What your child can gain: the art of self-expression is a phenomenal characteristic to have as a child. They will grow up embracing their uniqueness and are completely open to new things.

How to help yourself: Your sensitivity may rub off on your kid so be sure to let them know they aren’t the blame for all of the sad, emotional moments.

FIVE: THE INVESTIGATOR [The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative & Isolated]

Better known as The Thinker. These parents are the ones Googling everything they can to stay well informed. They stay well informed so they’ll be able to answer those million questions kids tend to ask. “Knowledge is power” would be a quote to apply to them.
What your child can gain: so much knowledge. Whether it be useful or not, these kiddos will be filled with random information about lots of things.

How to help yourself: Just because kids can retain knowledge at this age doesn’t mean they need to with everything. Make sure what they’re learning is age-appropriate and expose it to them in a natural way, not always a classroom setting.

SIX: THE LOYALIST [The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Responsible, Anxious & Suspicious]

Know a parent that borders on that “helicopter parent” line? She could be a 6, but not in a negative way! They do worry about their kids well being as any parent does; however, it could straddle the line of the kid not being able to develop a firm sense of independence without the parent. Almost being paranoid.

What your child can gain: A strong sense of security, dependability and just general kindness
How to help yourself: Allow yourself to develop trust with your kiddo so they can have the freedom to explore a little and in return, you allow them to learn. Having constant fears can be limiting, and we don’t want to pass down fears to them.

SEVEN: THE ENTHUSIAST [The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible & Scattered]

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! 7’s are parents with full planners & always moving. They go IN on plans and are rarely down. Be careful, though, because you could be unavailable TOO much.

What your child can gain: To take on projects and multi-tasking. Life is short so take advantage of opportunities!
How to help yourself: Don’t overexert yourself and teach your kids they HAVE to stay busy. Some kids enjoy the resting moments more than always moving, so make sure you’re balancing with both.

EIGHT: THE CHALLENGER [The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Willful & Confrontational]

Better known as the Boss. These parents are direct and want their kids to reflect their own sense of self. They project a very strong “my way or the highway” sense and advocate for their parenting styles very fiercely.

What your child can gain: Intense safety. 8’s will do whatever is necessary to see their child succeed. Like Momma Bear personified.
How to help yourself: Although you want the best for your kiddo, remember they are their own person. They may choose something opposite of you and that’s okay! Still support & try not to intimidate them to mirror you.

NINE: THE PEACEMAKER [The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Agreeable & Complacent]

These gentle parents are super chill & would prefer to have the other parent do the discipline. They’re accepting people but also tend to be indecisive. 9’s are the peacemakers every group needs that makes sure everyone doesn’t hate everyone.

What your child can gain: Genuine love and acceptance
How to help yourself: Although keeping the peace is necessary for friendships, it can be interpreted as avoiding situations and possibly lacking in discipline towards your child. Kids do need direction, so make sure you’re there to guide them.

If you’re like me, you like to stay informed about anything you can that would serve as important to you, but at the ease of your fingertips. On Instagram, I follow three different Enneagram accounts that not only have concise explanations of each type but how to communicate better with them as well. I personally find these little cheat sheets extremely beneficial when a friend is in need, or I need to communicate with someone. As an 8, my direct manner can come off harsh and intimidating, but I don’t want to scare away friends! This helps me get my point across without putting someone on the defense. Make sense?

I love @justmyenneatype, @enneagramashton and @enneagramenthusiast on Instagram. Also, check out the official Enneagram Institute site for more in-depth information and happy learning!