As popular as Western astrology may be, Chinese astrology is equally as important to many Malaysians.
Every year, bookstore aisles are filled with titles about how the following Chinese calendar cycle will affect their luck, wealth and even their relationships.
Some people even cater their entire lives around lucky numbers, colours, and even dates.
But did you know that being born under the year of a zodiac animal also affects your personality, temperament and habits?
If you’re about to give birth in the year of 2023, you will be raising a Rabbit child.
Here’s what you need to know about parenting this special group of children.
Characteristics of a Rabbit Child
Depending on the astrologer, Rabbit children (and really, anyone born in the Year of the Rabbit), will have a different set of personality traits.
But the general consensus is that they are:
- Polite
- Kind
- Artistic/creative
- Mild-tempered
- Virtuous
- Devoted
- Sensitive
- Enjoys stability
- Dislikes chaos and changes
This all sound like good news for the would-be parent of a Rabbit baby. After all, who doesn’t love a well-mannered child, right?
However, it’s important to note that nurture can easily overpower nature; your Rabbit child may not exhibit all of these traits.
Another thing to consider is their elemental nature. Every one of us is influenced by a specific Eastern element depending on the year we were born, aside from our birth animals.
These elements (earth, wood, metal, water and fire) create subtle changes in our Zodiac signs.
2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit.
The Water Rabbit
With the already delicate Rabbit being influenced by Water (the element most associated with feelings and emotions), you can expect a very sensitive child. Think Pisces or Cancer, but on steroids.
According to Shelly Wu, author of Chinese Astrology: Exploring the Eastern Zodiac, the Water Rabbit is described as being:
“…sensitive and well liked. Their sensitive feelings can be soothed with plenty of tender, loving care and liberal doses of the finer things in life. The Water element intensifies the sensitivity of this Rabbit–element combination. The Water Rabbit is a deep thinker and possesses enhanced intuition, bordering on psychic. They are admired for their good taste and are highly valued for their advice.”
Due to their affinity for the emotional element of water, your Water Rabbit child may be extra intuitive, empathetic and highly attuned to people’s thoughts and emotions.
How to Parent a Rabbit Child
While there may not be many apparent flaws with the Rabbit child, nobody’s perfect.
They may be prone to developing negative (or unwanted) traits, especially as they grow older.
Rabbit people tend to be timid, sensitive, self-indulgent, and manipulative.
Depending on which trait your Rabbit child exhibits the most, here are some ways to deal with them:
If They’re too Timid
Just like their real-life counterparts, Rabbit people (and children) can be shy and conservative. Refusing to leave their comfort zones unless forced to.
They rarely enjoy being in new or unfamiliar environments, or trying new things. Change and upheaval are the two enemies of a Rabbit person.
So, it’s important not to force them to do things they don’t want to do.
Ease them into it bit by bit, especially when dealing with big changes, like a house move, a new baby, or a new school.
Prepare them as much as you can for the new changes so they don’t feel blindsided.
If They’re too Self-Indulgent
Rabbits tend to be homebodies.
Think actual rabbits who enjoy living in their underground burrows and coming out only to eat and play.
Likewise, your Rabbit child may be attracted to certain creature comforts like decadent meals, fancy clothes, a cosy bedroom and even things like fragrances and jewellery.
Their taste for beauty ad luxury can put a strain on your wallet if you give in too often to their whims.
So, when shopping, be sure to teach them about wants versus needs. After all, everything should be done in moderation.
If They’re Manipulative
Rabbit children are seldom problematic or naughty. They are obedient and mild-tempered, rarely giving into tantrums, if ever.
But don’t be fooled by their harmless demeanour. Their mouths may be silent, but all their other senses are working in overdrive.
They pay attention to conversations, non-verbal cues, emotional responses and other information about the people in their surroundings. This often makes them master manipulators.
As Rabbits can often be self-serving, they will not think twice about charming their parents to get their way.
However, this is rarely done for nefarious purposes as Rabbit children are naturally compassionate people and may only be manipulative to satisfy their materialistic cravings.
But if you notice this happening, you can discipline them to discourage manipulative behaviour. Especially if they’ve learned to become expert liars.
If They’re Too Sensitive
Rabbit people have soft hearts. They can easily spiral into bouts of moodiness if you scold them or if they sense tension and stress in the environment.
So, during those rare moments when you have to discipline a Rabbit child, be sure to avoid harsh punishments, scolding or raising your voice at them.
It will be hard to regain their trust once this happens.
Even though Rabbits aren’t known to be as vindictive as Snakes or Rats, children in general are sensitive and remember what you did to them.
So be sure to use gentle, positive parenting.
It’s also important for them to have a cosy corner or quiet room where they can escape during intense emotional experiences to wind down and ground themselves.
Parenting the Rabbit Child
Of course, astrology is not an exact science. Your child may actually grow up to not have typical Rabbit traits at all, or even opposite ones.
They could be born a Rabbit child but have Tiger or even Dragon traits, especially if they have parents who belong in those signs.
That said, these tips are actually useful for any parent who has children who fit the criteria of a Rabbit child, despite being born into a different zodiac sign.
But regardless of your child’s birth animal, it’s important to accept them for who they are. And the unconditional love of a parent is truly what will make a child grow happy, healthy and successful.
Motherhood wishes you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year full of love and prosperity, Gong Xi Fa Cai!