Momscopes: The Capricorn Mom

Mommy Magic: Your Strengths & Gifts

Strong Work Ethic

The Capricorn mom is the rock of her clan, the force that holds everything together through thick and thin You’re the zodiac’s provider, and you’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that your family has financial security and a roof over their heads. It was Capricorn Donna Summer who sang “She Works Hard for the Money,” and that’s certainly true for you. With your solid work ethic, you might even be the family breadwinner. Capricorn rules the zodiac’s tenth house of career and fatherhood, and you could play more of the stereotypical daddy role, setting rules and upholding structure. You’re not afraid to say “no” because you understand that you’re teaching kids necessary lessons for the long haul. Capricorn is symbolized by the mountain goat, slowly and steadily making its rocky uphill climb. You’re a master strategist who’s always thinking ten steps ahead. As a result, your children will be set up for success in the long haul. No matter how much you earn, you’ll bust your butt to make sure they have the best of everything, from clothes to education. In the best cases, you’ll pass on your hardworking ways to them, so they can provide for themselves (and their own families) in their adulthood.

Solid Values

Capricorn is a traditional sign with a strong sense of duty and history. Family trees, ancestry—you’re fascinated by exploring your lineage. J.R.R. Tolkien, who created the elaborate Lord of the Rings trilogy, was a Cap. You like to carry on family conventions and pass down strong roots to your clan. Should you have claim to impressive stock—your ancestors came over on the Mayflower, you’re a descendant of royalty, there’s a Scottish family crest—you’ll proudly emphasize this. Even if you diverge in politics, religious beliefs or lifestyles from your family, you’ll create your own set of traditions that will become much-anticipated regular events. In most cases, Capricorn moms maintain a dutiful closeness to their own parents. As long as your mom and dad weren’t crazy (and even if they were), you’re there for them until their last breath. In fact, your greatest fear might be disappointing them, and you’ll try hard to leave a legacy that would make your parents proud. You’ll be sure your children have a healthy respect for their elders, and understand right from wrong.

Mama Mia! Your Challenges & Issues

Too Serious

You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, but do you have to? No, Capricorn. Parenthood gives you plenty to worry about, but it can also teach you to lighten up. While you can’t shed your dutiful nature, you don’t have to sweat the small stuff either. At a certain point, the “sighing saint”/martyr mommy routine can be a real downer for your kids. It can also give them the sense that life is difficult, teaching them to expect a struggle and even damaging their confidence. Remember, you’re their role model. Your kids need to see that mommy is happy, not worried or gloomy all the time. Your excessive sternness can also go overboard. While you may have high standards, remember that rules exist as helpful guidelines, not to instill fear or control. The world won’t end if your kids get a bad grade, make a mistake, or eat something that isn’t gluten-free. Use your Capricorn wisdom to help them learn from their failures, and don’t overreact or blame yourself. All kids need to know is that you love them no matter what. While some Caps are big kissers and huggers, others aren’t so touchy-feely. If you’re awkward with affection, don’t worry—better to give your kids a one-armed hug than no hug at all. You don’t have to be BFFs—at least, not if it undermines your authority. But too much “steel magnolia” and you turn into an ice queen. Remember, you’re still their mommy!

Status Obsession

Your kids go to an elite private school, cool their heels at a snobby polo club and have a list of accomplishments that make Nobel Prize winners look like slackers. Great, Capricorn. But underneath all the trappings, is your family happy? At times, you can lose sight of this on your quest to climb the social ladder. Your Town-and-Country home might be well-appointed, but it ain’t childproof…or very much fun. It’s fine if you’ve got first-class taste, but be careful not to impose your over-the-top standards onto your children. Your macrobiotic mini-me might grow up to be a rebellious junk food hound. Capricorn is a structured sign, but rigid overscheduling can steal the spontaneity from your family’s life. Make sure your kids get to have a childhood, and don’t book them in every possible after-school program. Breathe. They’ll get into college, and they’ll turn out okay. What’s underneath all this angst? You tend to be uber-hard on yourself. When you start freaking out about your three-year-old’s college applications, give yourself a reality check. Chances are, you’re comparing yourself to other moms, and trying to outdo them. Motherhood is a journey, not a competition. Careful with the grade-grubbing, “one percent” mentality, or you could end up being the reason that the Occupy Wall Street movement began. And as the saying goes, it’s lonely at the top—especially for moms. Relax a little and you’ll find a supportive community of friends instead.

Famous Capricorn Mamas: Christy Turlington Burns, Michelle Obama, Kate Moss, Amanda Peete, Annie Lennox, Kyle Richards, Gypsy Rose Lee, Donna Summer, Tina Knowles

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