15 Tips for Enneagram 2 Moms

Imagine walking into your friend’s home and feeling instant comfort and warmth, like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. As you sink into the couch, your friend offers you a drink and a snack. You can’t help but feel taken care of. This scenario is the essence of an Enneagram 2. She is the ultimate hostess and caretaker. While others may find this level of hospitality takes effort, it is second nature to an Enneagram Type 2. They are known as *the helper* – warm, caring, empathetic, and always putting others first.

Serving others by default can be a positive quality, but it’s not without its challenges. Throw in the dynamics of being a mom in our “mom guilt” driven world, and you’re in for a wild ride. As an Enneagram Type 2 Mom, it’s easy to fall into the trap of putting everyone else’s needs before yours. This pattern can lead to feelings of burnout and exhaustion, which ultimately hinder your ability to care for those around you. But the good news is there are ways to balance your caregiving role with your self-care needs.

Finding a healthy balance that works for you and your family is essential. So, whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, read on to discover practical tips for managing your role as a caregiver while caring for your well-being.

More About the Enneagram Type 2

Now, let’s take a closer look at Enneagram Type 2 Moms. Type 2s are motivated by their desire to help and care for others. They are warm, compassionate, and attentive to the needs of those around them. The Enneagram Type 2 is an emotional sponge, absorbing the feelings and emotions of those around them so that they can do whatever it takes to ensure everyone is happy. Because of that, Enneagram Type 2 Moms bring a unique warmth and empathy to their parenting. Not to mention, they take great pleasure in helping and supporting their loved ones. 

The Enneagram Type 2 goes above and beyond to ensure their loved ones feel loved and cared for. However, in their pursuit to care for others, they sometimes need to remember to prioritize their needs and may need help setting boundaries. It’s essential for Enneagram Type 2 Moms to learn how to balance their desire to help others with taking care of themselves, both physically and emotionally.

Celebrating Strengths

Enneagram Type 2s are caretakers, the glue that holds families together. They do everything they can to show their love for those around them, including always putting others before themselves. Unsurprisingly, these types of mothers are often considered very patient and warm-hearted. They put a lot of thought into caring for other people first.

For example, when an Enneagram Type 2 Mom sees her child feeling down or anxious, she instinctively knows how to make them feel better. She’ll go out of her way to listen to them, offer comforting words, and do little things to make them feel loved and cared for, like making their favorite meal or surprising them with a small gift. She will put her child’s well-being first, even if it means sacrificing her needs. Her children know they can always count on her to be there for them, no matter what.

It’s vital for Enneagram Type 2 Moms to remember that taking care of themselves is just as important as taking care of others.

Overcoming Challenges

Enneagram Type 2s can find it difficult to say “no” when feeling overwhelmed because there’s a false belief that saying no means letting people down. But when they find themselves in this spot, it’s important to remember that taking the time to prioritize their needs is an integral part of self-care and mental health. 

Establishing healthy boundaries for oneself is an important life skill, plus it provides greater clarity into what truly matters in life. So, if they feel like the world is weighing down on them from all sides, they can take the time to be kind to themselves. This fact means they need to permit themselves to say “no.”

Don’t Do This: Common Pitfalls for Enneagram Type 2 Moms

When we have too much to do and too little time, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel like it’s impossible to stay on top of everything. It’s key to remember that taking regular breaks throughout the day helps you stay focused and productive; it allows you to clear your mind and gives your system a chance to rest and reset. 

Additionally, try your best to take on only a few projects simultaneously. Taking on one item at a time ensures better focus, efficiency, and overall quality results than cramming everything into one frantic session. So the next time you feel overloaded, take a breather and give yourself some much-needed TLC!

For instance, imagine you’re a busy Enneagram Type 2 Mom trying to juggle work, household chores, and family responsibilities all at once. You may feel like you need to do it all, but constantly pushing yourself to exhaustion is unsustainable in the long run. Take a step back, assess your priorities, and try to delegate tasks whenever possible. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when needed, and taking care of yourself first allows you to be more present and effective when caring for others.

One last pitfall common to the Enneagram Type 2 Mom is expecting others to help you with the same intensity and enthusiasm you have when helping others. Be mindful of your motivations for helping others, and manage your expectations about how others help you.

Do This Instead: Strategies for Thriving as an Enneagram Type 2

It’s natural to want to do it all when you’re an Enneagram Type 2 and strive for perfection while you’re at it. Ultimately, it’s impossible to achieve, and that’s okay! Don’t forget that your family loves you no matter what. Even if you make a mistake, they’ll still be right by your side, supporting you. The little moments with your loved ones matter the most; don’t pressure yourself to be perfect because nobody expects that from you. Embrace the messiness of life, and let yourself be loved just as you are.

Imagine you’re trying to host a perfect family gathering, from decorating the house to preparing the food and ensuring everyone has a good time. You’ve worked tirelessly to perfect everything, but a dish gets burned, or the kids fight. At that moment, it’s easy to feel like a failure. But it’s important to remember that the most important goal is spending quality time with your family, not achieving an impossible standard of perfection. By letting go of that pressure, you can enjoy the imperfect, messy moments that make life truly beautiful.

Top Tips For Enneagram Type 2 Moms

Here are my top 15 tips to help Enneagram Type 2 Moms thrive while caring for others and themselves.

1. Prioritize self-care

This tip is essential for all moms, especially Enneagram Type 2 Moms who tend to put everyone else’s needs before theirs. Self-care can mean different things to different people, but making time for activities that help you recharge and feel refreshed is essential. Whether it’s a relaxing bubble bath, a yoga class, or a night out with friends, prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and be the best mom you can be.

2. Set boundaries

Enneagram Type 2 Moms naturally desire to help others and be of service, but it’s important to set boundaries to avoid overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed. Learn to say no when necessary and be clear about your needs and priorities. 

3. Practice active listening

As a natural caregiver, it’s easy for Enneagram Type 2 Moms to jump into problem-solving mode when someone shares a challenge or struggle. However, practicing active listening, where you listen with empathy and without judgment, can be incredibly powerful for building stronger relationships and supporting those around you. It’s easy to jump into helper mode, but sometimes people just need you to listen.

4. Take time to reflect

Enneagram Type 2 Moms can benefit from taking time to reflect on their own emotions and needs. Whether through journaling, meditation, or another reflective practice, taking the time to check in with yourself can help you better understand your motivations and be more intentional in your actions.

5. Embrace imperfection

Enneagram Type 2 Moms strive for perfection in all areas of life, but embracing imperfection can be liberating. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that imperfection can be beautiful.

6. Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness and contentment. As an Enneagram Type 2 Mom, take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for and express gratitude to those around you.

7. Invest in your interests

It’s easy for Enneagram Type 2 Moms to get wrapped up in their caregiving role and neglect their interests and hobbies. However, pursuing your passions and interests makes you a happier and more fulfilled person. In turn, this can benefit those around you.

8. Practice active self-acceptance

Often, Enneagram Type 2s can struggle with self-acceptance. They feel they need to change who they are to be loved and accepted. Practicing active self-acceptance, where you embrace and celebrate your strengths and quirks, can be incredibly liberating and empowering.

9. Learn to receive help

As a natural caregiver, it can be challenging for Enneagram Type 2 Moms to receive help from others. However, accepting help can be incredibly empowering and beneficial for all involved.

10. Cultivate healthy boundaries with your children

Enneagram Type 2 Moms can tend to become enmeshed with their children and take on their emotions and needs as their own. Cultivating healthy boundaries with your children can help them develop their sense of independence and self-reliance.

11. Practice self-compassion

Moms can be hard on themselves, especially Enneagram Type 2s, often expecting perfection in all areas of life. Practicing self-compassion, where you treat yourself with kindness and understanding, can be incredibly healing and empowering.

12. Surround yourself with positive influences

As an Enneagram Type 2 Mom, you must surround yourself with positive influences who lift you up and support you. Whether it’s friends, family, or a supportive community, having a positive support system can make all the difference in your mental and emotional health.

13. Celebrate your accomplishments

The Enneagram Type 2 often downplays their accomplishments and focuses on others’ achievements instead. However, it’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your accomplishments can boost your self-esteem, motivation, and confidence and inspire others to do the same.

14. Nurture your relationships with your partner and friends

Tending to prioritize others’ needs above their own is standard for Enneagram Type 2s. However, it’s important to remember that you have needs, too, including socializing and spending quality time with loved ones. Getting caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of being a mom can be easy, but don’t forget about the other meaningful relationships in your life.

15. Remember you’re doing a great job

It’s natural to doubt yourself as a mom, especially as an Enneagram Type 2 who wants to please everyone around them. But remember, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s all anyone can ask of you. Give yourself grace and credit for the hard work you do every day to create a happy home.

Embracing a Healthy and Balanced Parenting Journey: Takeaways and Insights

All in all, Enneagram Type 2 Moms are amazing people who put the needs of everyone around them first. Their patience and natural caretaker tendencies can sometimes get them into tricky spots where they may neglect their needs. That’s why it’s important for these mothers to learn the tips and techniques for self-care and the balance between caring for themselves and their families. 

Whatever your Enneagram Type, if you want to discover more about your mom superpowers, sign up for our quiz today. You’ll identify the three superpowers that help you enjoy and celebrate who you are as a mom. There’s plenty to celebrate!