In today’s world, children seem to be arriving with a different energy, a unique sense of purpose, and a deeper sensitivity than previous generations. This isn’t just a perception; it reflects an energetic shift Human Design refers to as the “Nine-Centered being”. What does it mean to raise these new, highly aware souls, and how can we, as parents, help them thrive?

The Shift from Seven-Centered to Nine-Centered Beings

Human Design suggests that humanity shifted from “Seven-Centered beings” to “Nine-Centered beings” since 1781. This evolution represents a move from survival-driven, mind-centered consciousness toward a broader awareness. While 1781 may feel like ancient history, in the context of human evolution, it’s a blink of an eye. Humanity existed as “Seven-Centered beings” for approximately 85.000 years, an overwhelming stretch of time compared to the mere 243 years we’ve spent as “Nine-Centered beings”. Seen from this perspective, the shift in 1781 is astonishingly recent, underscoring the idea that we are still in the early stages of a profound transformation. Humanity is not yet “finished” evolving; instead, we’re in the midst of a transitional phase (Homo Sapiens in Transitus), moving toward a new form.

A New Awareness

With this transition, we gained a tremendous opportunity for greater awareness. The “Seven-Centered beings” were designed to live through their minds. For them, both Inner and Outer Authority resided in the mind, making it the source of both decision-making and expression. Their lives were inherently strategic because everything—thinking, speaking, and deciding—stemmed from the same place.

As Nine-Centered beings, our Inner Authority is no longer rooted in the mind. This fundamental shift means we no longer need to live such a strategic, mind-driven life. Instead, we are here to appreciate the mind for what it truly is: a space for observation, reflection, and sharing. We can enjoy its thinking processes, listen to its ideas, and offer its wisdom when invited. However, the mind is no longer meant to guide our decisions.

Freeing the Mind

Many of us still struggle because we rely on the mind to make decisions. By releasing it from this responsibility, we free it to fulfill its true purpose: serving as an Outer Authority. Through this, we can express our unique wisdom, insights, and knowledge, offering the world our distinctive perspectives in a way that enriches and inspires others.

The Evolution of Parenting

Now, let’s dive into the history of parenting. Parenting, in its broadest sense, has been an essential aspect of human life since the dawn of humanity, originating even with our pre-human ancestors. As Homo sapiens evolved, parenting took on even greater significance. Humans developed complex social structures, requiring parents not only to teach survival skills but also to pass down cultural practices, language, and social norms.

Parenting Through the Ages

• Hunter-Gatherer Societies: Parenting was a communal effort, with extended families and the broader community playing active roles in raising children.
• Agricultural Societies: Parenting became more formalized, with parents teaching children specialized skills like farming and craftsmanship.
• Rise of Civilizations: Family structures grew more defined, and social class often influenced parenting. In societies like ancient Greece and Egypt, wealthy families relied on tutors or servants to assist in child-rearing.
• Religious Influence: Religion has historically shaped parenting practices, providing moral and ethical guidelines.
• Industrial Revolution: Urbanization and factory work disrupted traditional family roles, reshaping parenting in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• 20th and 21st Centuries: Parenting continues to evolve, influenced by psychological research, shifting gender roles, and advancements in education. Each generation brings new parenting styles to the forefront.

Raising children has always been demanding, but today’s parents face unique pressures. Factors such as social isolation, shrinking support systems, and an overwhelming flood of advice on social media make parenting more challenging.

Different Parenting Styles

Raising children has always been challenging, but evidence suggests it’s becoming increasingly so. Several factors contribute to this, such as growing isolation, the shrinking “village” of support due to individualization, the pressure to meet exacting parenting standards, and the overwhelming flood of advice on social media.

Consider, for example, Gentle Parenting—an approach that moves away from traditional discipline-focused methods. It emphasizes fostering a happier, healthier child (and who wouldn’t want that?). On the other hand, look at a more traditional style like Authoritarian Parenting, which is characterized by strict rules, high expectations, and a focus on obedience and discipline to maintain control over a child’s behavior.

The common thread across all parenting styles—of which there are many—is that each is driven by a specific goal. Gentle Parenting, for instance, aims to nurture happier and healthier children, while Authoritarian Parenting focuses on creating disciplined individuals. At their core, these approaches are strategic, designed to achieve particular outcomes.

And what did I mention earlier? Strategies belonged to the “Seven-Centered” human beings. That’s no longer our story. It’s time to move beyond these fixed frameworks and embrace a new way of being.

Rethinking Expectations

Wait, what?! Are you saying we shouldn’t wish happiness and health for our children?

The answer, from my perspective, isn’t black and white. It’s worth unpacking. Let me ask you the following question instead: what does happiness and health mean for you?

Does it mean living a meaningful life? But what defines meaning? Is it about fulfilling their potentials? If so, whose version of potential are we talking about? I mean, think about a 5th-line child, where it’s all about projections, you never truly see them as they are (it’s rather a projection of your own expectations).

Perhaps happiness for you means experiencing positive emotions like joy, excitement, and comfort. But, then consider this: 50% of people are here to ride emotional waves, experiencing all emotions, not just the “positive” ones. If we only wish for joy, we risk signaling to our children that feeling sadness, anger, or fear means something is wrong with them.

And what about health? Does it mean the absence of illness? Or is it about a state where all bodily systems function optimally? What if your child’s path involves struggle—perhaps with illness or challenges they’re meant to face (and possibly overcome)? The truth is, we don’t get to decide what our child’s life path will be.

So yes, I encourage you to reflect on your (unconscious) expectations for your child’s life.

Shifting the Focus

Parenting isn’t about outcomes—it’s about supporting the realization of consciousness in a human body. Each child is here to live their own unique journey, to fulfill their destiny in their own way.

Your child is not your “mini-me.” They are here to live their own unique journey, to fulfill their own destiny, regardless of the outcome. Your role as a parent is to keep them safe, nurture them, and support their growth—whether through education, skills, or knowledge. But it also means understanding that your child is not you.

Each child has different needs for food, sleep, socializing, learning, and more. Recognizing and respecting these differences may even mean treating siblings differently. This “Nine-Centered Parenting” approach isn’t easy. It brings challenges, especially when navigating family dynamics and societal expectations.

This way of parenting is not about making parenting easy or promising a perfect outcome. Or create ‘super smart humans’. It’s about recognizing challenges for what they are without blame, either for yourself or others.

Start with Yourself

Parenting begins with you. What is correct for you? How do you make decisions? What are your boundaries?

Your boundaries are essential—not those of your grandparents, social media influencers, or societal norms. They are yours, rooted in your Strategy and Authority. Developing this understanding takes time, especially if you weren’t raised with these principles.

Parenting Together

We each face unique challenges, raising unique children within unique family structures. However, some challenges are shared, especially when choosing to parent differently from societal norms.

It takes strength to stand firm when your decisions go against the grain. Having support from others can make a profound difference. Together, we can navigate these challenges, raising our children with greater awareness and authenticity. Together, we can redefine what it means to parent in a “Nine-Centered” world.

Literature:

• The Human Design System, a complete guide, Ra Uru Hu
• Parenting Styles: a closer look at a well-known concept