OMG! I found a literal parenting manual online. It has some helpful tips, but I didn’t see a chapter on what to do when your kid worries that you’ll be destitute because of the economy. Or how not to say, “I told you so,” when your kid rushes headlong into buying a car and two days later wakes up to a flat tire. Nor is there a chapter on “Am I the @$$hole.” Even if you have other kids, the next one has a completely different personality. If you have ever read an instruction manual for anything, you know that you eventually have to uncover the tricks and tips to get the outcomes you want. The Page of Pentacles reminds us that effective parenting means lifelong learning.
Every week, we explore a Tarot card because Tarot is rich in symbolism and helps us pause from the panic and tap into our intuition. This allows us to shift our mindset and move from overwhelm to action.
Card of the Week: The Page of Pentacles
A young page wearing a sage green tunic, light brown leggings, and a red hat stands in a field of flowers contemplating a pentacle. The sky is yellow, with trees, fields, and a mountain range in the background.
The Pattern It Reveals
Because of the figure’s perspective, this Page feels like a giant in this world. Sometimes our thoughts about raising kids can feel enormous, and we can feel overwhelmed about our next steps. The young man is calm and grounded as he contemplates the pentacle. Pentacles have five points and traditionally represent Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
As parents, we also need to balance Earth (finances/work), Air (thoughts/communication), Fire (energy), Water (feelings), and Spirit (consciousness). The suit of Pentacles is also related to the earth, which is about being grounded, diligent, and consistent. I’m sorry to disappoint you. There is no new magic bullet to parenting. However, tried-and-true techniques like nagging or reminding kids about chores may get results, but they also raise dependent kids.
The Page is contemplative, almost as if he’s thinking, there has to be a better way. Being grounded, consistent, and building a strong foundation isn’t glamorous, but it is what is required to be an effective parent. Knowing the latest slang is cool, but consistency and dependability give your kids the confidence to explore and become independent.
The Question Worth Asking
How can I learn to be consistent while fostering growth?
Sometimes parenting feels like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping that something sticks. We are all over the place, and as a result, the kids are all over the place. Consistency begins with self-regulation and taking ownership of our feelings and actions. Kids do what we do, not what we say. You don’t want to be calling your kid twenty years from now to remind them it’s time to wake up and go to work.
One Small Experiment to Try This Week
What is one small habit that you would like your kids to begin doing? Ground yourself, whether you take a few deep breaths or drink your coffee intentionally. You aren’t trying to fix everything your kid is doing wrong. Pick one pentacle (small habit or chore) to focus on this week. Before you start, you need a system so that making a change doesn’t turn into a battle of wills.
Looking for that mystical parent manual? I raised five kids as a working mom, all attending different schools without them being late or absent, and four are now college graduates. I don’t have a book to sell you. I have come through the other side, and you don’t have to do it all for them. You can start building the habits that will last. I’ve created a method to start your kids on their journey to independence. You don’t have to be their backup plan. Want to know more? Comment or DM me “READY,” and I’ll personally send you the steps to begin creating new habits.
About The Author
Hi, friends 👋🏽. I'm Stacy Casson, a Lean Six Sigma certified mom of five. I used to hold a PhD in creating chaos. Now, I help other busy, overwhelmed parents have peaceful evenings and avoid dramatic mornings.
