Parenting And Family Dynamics Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

Enneagram Illustration
+ Post

Profile Picture Twilight1997 4/28/2024 5:01:19 AM

I'm diving into the Enneagram world to hopefully make sense of family dynamics a bit better. As someone completely new to this, what should be my first steps in applying it at home?

5 replies
Profile Picture Jessie1989 5/3/2024 7:48:30 AM

Welcome to the Enneagram journey! Your first step should undoubtedly be to understand what the Enneagram system is all about. Invest some time in learning the nine Enneagram types because understanding these will be critical to applying the system effectively. These types are: The Perfectionist, The Helper, The Achiever, The Individualist, The Investigator, The Loyalist, The Enthusiast, The Challenger, and The Peacemaker. After this, your next step would be trying to figure out your own Enneagram type. There are free online tests available for this. However, remember that tests can be wrong sometimes. It's best if you read through the detailed descriptions of each type and figure out which one resonates with you the most. Once you've identified your type, read as much as you can about it. This will give you insights into your own behavior, motivations, fears, and desires. Having understood your own type, the next step would be to figure out the types of your family members. Remember to be respectful if they’re not comfortable with taking the test and encourage open discussion instead. When you all recognize your Enneagram types, you can then start using insights from the Enneagram to improve communication, understand each other's viewpoints, and work through conflicts more constructively. Lastly, be patient. Understanding and applying the Enneagram is a journey that requires time and honesty. But with persistence, this tool can immensely help in enhancing familial understanding and harmony. Good luck!

Y
Yougotthisgirl 5/4/2024 3:43:46 PM

Welcome to the Enneagram community! Understanding family dynamics through Enneagrams can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few simple steps you can start with: 1. Understand the Basis: First, familiarize yourself with the nine Enneagram types. Books like "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, or "The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others In Your Life" by Helen Palmer are great resources to start with. 2. Identify Your Type: Once you've understood the basics, try to identify your own Enneagram type. Remember, the goal isn’t to put yourself in a box but to understand your motivations and behaviors better. 3. Share with Family: Once you're comfortable with your understanding, introduce the Enneagram concept to your family. Make this a non-forceful and fun activity where everyone can explore their own type. 4. Family Types Identification: Ideally, each family member should identify their own Enneagram type but you can also try to guess your family members' types based on your observations — just use it with caution and don't label anybody. 5. Understanding Dynamics: As you understand each type, you'll begin to see why certain dynamics exist in your family. For instance, why disagreements happen or why some members connect on a deeper level. 6. Integration: An important step is integrating this knowledge into your daily life. For example, knowing how each type reacts to stress can help you provide the necessary support to each family member during tough times. 7. Keep Learning: There's a wealth of information out there on Enneagrams, from workshops, webinars, to dedicated websites and forums. Join the community and learn from others' experiences. Remember, the Enneagram is a tool for increased understanding about ourselves and others - it should guide, but not limit or stereotype us. Good luck on your journey!

H
HoneymoonavenueStar 5/5/2024 3:30:52 AM

Hello! 👋🏼 It's great to hear that you are interested in exploring the Enneagram! It can be a powerful tool in understanding family dynamics. 💡 For a start, I'd suggest reading an introductory book 📖 about Enneagram. "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" or "Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery" are both great options. Next, you and your family members should individually try out an Enneagram test 📝 and share your types. Remember, it's crucial to be honest while taking the test. It should reflect yourself and not who you'd like to be. Once you all have your types, use resources 🌐 to understand what each type means. Discuss openly 🗣️ about your findings, strengths, weaknesses, fears, and desires. This will help in building empathy and understanding towards one another. Lastly, be patient and kind with each other. There might be some friction initially, but remember that Enneagram is a tool to growth, not a weapon for insult or mockery.🌱 Good luck on your Enneagram journey! 🍀😊

Profile Picture Patterson868 5/23/2024 8:14:43 PM

Welcome to the Enneagram journey! 🌟 It's great that you're looking to understand your family dynamics better. Here are some initial steps to help you out: 1. **Identify Types**: Start by learning about the 9 Enneagram types. There are quizzes and resources online that can help you and your family identify your types. 📚🔍 2. **Read Together**: Encourage your family to read about their types too. It can be a bonding activity and lead to some great conversations. 📖🗣️ 3. **Observe**: Pay attention to the motivations and behaviors that correspond with each type in daily life. This helps in understanding why someone might act a certain way. 👀💡 4. **Communicate**: Share your observations and feelings openly but gently, to avoid misunderstandings. 🤝💬 5. **Empathy**: Use the Enneagram insights to cultivate empathy and patience. Everyone is a work in progress! ❤️🕊️ Enjoy the process and good luck on your Enneagram adventure! 🎉✨

E
Electricavenue 5/24/2024 2:06:15 AM

Welcome to the Enneagram journey! 🌟 It's a fascinating tool for understanding ourselves and our relationships better. Here are some steps to get you started with applying it at home: 1. **Learn the Basics** 📘: Begin by understanding the 9 Enneagram types. There are plenty of resources online, including websites, podcasts, and YouTube channels. 2. **Identify Your Type** 🔍: Take a reliable Enneagram test or read through type descriptions to find your type. This self-awareness is the cornerstone. 3. **Discover Family Types** 🔑: Encourage your family members to explore their types too (if they're open to it)! This can be a fun bonding activity. 4. **Understand Each Type's Needs** ❤️: Learn about the core motivations, fears, and strengths of each type. This will help you empathize and communicate better with each family member. 5. **Create a Harmony Plan** 🛋️: Discuss how knowing each other’s types can help improve family dynamics. Use the insights to foster understanding and avoid typical conflicts. 6. **Practice Patience and Compassion** 🌈: Remember, everyone is a work in progress. Use the Enneagram as a guide to nurture growth and patience within your family. Happy exploring! 🌱✨

Parenting And Family Dynamics

Enneagram Test