As per the Chinese horoscope, the Year 2022 was the Year of the Tiger. If your baby was born any time between 1st February 2022 and 21st January 2023, then you are in luck! You have a courageous and confident baby tiger in your arms.

Every parent's journey is continuous, with twists and turns, victories and defeats, and an inexhaustible stream of delightful moments.However, Tiger kids are usually unique and need their own parenting style.

Understanding the Tiger Personality

Tiger children are born into leadership and start leading from the very beginning of their lives. They are self-confident, enterprising, and not scared to take risks or face challenges. They are characterised by their attractiveness and persistence, and they are capable of achieving great success in life.

On the one hand, this self-confidence can cause obstinacy or a tendency to be bossy, but on the other hand, it can make you believe in your abilities and be more assertive. Tiger kids will not hesitate to bash their heads against the wall of authority figures who try to restrain their activities. As parents, we must balance helping our kids develop leadership qualities and teaching them to be self-restrained and disciplined.

Tiger people are also playful and love fun, games, and being surrounded by people. They have a ton of energy and are not fond of remaining inactive for a long time. The negative side is that they tend to be fidgety, inattentive, and unwilling to focus on dull tasks.

Finally, Tigers are keen on wandering and discovering new things. They are intrinsically curious about what is happening around them and are prone to transgressing boundaries or even taking dangerous risks if they are not supervised. This can be achieved by providing ample opportunities for stimulation and outlets for constructive energy release.

The Early Years (0-5 years)

The groundwork in this period determines the growth and development of your Tiger cubs. Encourage independence from the early years of their life by giving your Tiger child tasks to do independently, in an age-appropriate manner, instead of pampering them. Channelise their exceptional physical and mental energy by signing them up for active sports, dance classes, or whatever activity lets them have the energy out positively.

Nurture their natural curiosity by providing them with toys and books that activate their senses and thinking. Encourage them to ask questions, take them to museums and parks, and make them observe what is going on around them. Teach discipline by introducing it from the very beginning. Employ positive reinforcement instead of punishments.

The adolescent years (06-12 years)

With time, your Tiger kid will grow and will begin to attend formal schooling. In this process, they may encounter new tasks. Find the right balance during this stage of life, which is full of a struggle between individuality and the necessity to fit into the curriculum/rules. Don't be overly strict with punishments, but at the same time, don't let them do everything they want. They should listen to you, but you should be respected as well.

Engage their interests, as Tigers have many interests and can perform well in academic/extracurricular fields. Let them choose the areas they want to be exposed to and help them find their passions. However, ensure they keep their word rather than lose focus on the plan. Promote their inbuilt tendency for healthy competition by enrolling them in competitive sports/activities, but teach them to be gracious in both wins and losses.

The Teenage Period (13-19 years)

It is a real challenge for any child to go through adolescence, but the teenage years of Tiger kids may be even more difficult. They are often quite defiant and rebellious. Choose your battles wisely, as Teen Tigers will always be on the verge of rebellion and disobedience. No need to fight every battle - give up on some issues, it might be better. Nevertheless, remain insistent on the party's core ideologies and principles. Be their anchor by being a constant and reliable source of advice and emotional support when needed.

Give them the tools to face the world by promoting internships, part-time jobs and other activities that help Tigers gain necessary life skills such as time management, financial planning, professional communication, and overcoming failures. Deter bossiness or the tendency to be an overbearing person. Contrarily, let the tiger teen understand the essence of teamwork and respect the views of others.

Encouraging Their Growth

Besides age-specific tips, integral philosophies can bring Tigers to their full height. Parents lead by example since they establish the values that Tigers are known for, i.e., courage, persistence, effort, and compassion. Appreciate the effort behind achievements and natural skills, accompanied by individuality, while the emphasis should be on perseverance and dedication. Embrace their uniqueness—Tigers are not followers of the crowd, so you should avoid comparing them to others and trying to put them in boxes.

If you balance discipline with freedom and teach the right nurturing techniques, you can shape your Tiger cub into a fearless leader who will not mind walking their path. Offer them educational and experiential resources that can boost their inquisitive minds. Above all, applaud their variety and their vibrant individuality.