Certified Enneagram coach · Author

A better youis a better them.

Start with yourself.

Enneagram self-awareness for adults who parent and teach. Sarah Dutton Waxman is a former educator of 10 years and the author of The Student Enneagram.

Explore the nine adult patterns →

The book

The Student Enneagram

The Secret to Leveling-Up Our Kids at Home & in the Classroom

For parents and teachers, the starting point is the adult. Sarah's book sits alongside that commitment to self-understanding.

Publisher
That's A Big Idea, LLC
Published
2022
Length
180 pages
ISBN
979-8986471402
Get the book on Amazon

Begin with the adult in the room.

Know yourself first.

“In order to know and understand others, we must first know and understand ourselves. I encourage you to learn about, and discover, who you are first.”
Sarah Dutton Waxman

Sarah does not assess, number, or label children. This site's learning tools are for adult self-reflection.

Explore

Explore nine adult patterns.

Learn the patterns, their neighboring wings, and their connecting arrows. Choose a pattern to read about—not to assign anyone a type.

Show relationships

Choose a pattern first.

Solid teal arrow with a filled head: growth direction. Dashed berry arrow with an open head: stress direction.

Nine patterns. One starting point: yourself.

Choose a numbered pattern to learn about adult self-awareness.

Each pattern is described below, in numeric order.

1 — Principles

Attention often goes to standards, improvement, and doing what feels right.

When I want to correct something, can I pause before I speak?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 1, the neighbors are 9 and 2. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 1 connects toward 7 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 1 connects toward 4 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

2 — Connection

Attention often goes to helping, relationships, and feeling needed.

Am I offering help freely, or hoping it will make me feel needed?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 2, the neighbors are 1 and 3. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 2 connects toward 4 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 2 connects toward 8 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

3 — Achievement

Attention often goes to goals, effectiveness, and how success is seen.

Can I separate my worth from what I accomplished today?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 3, the neighbors are 2 and 4. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 3 connects toward 6 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 3 connects toward 9 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

4 — Identity

Attention often goes to meaning, emotional depth, and individual expression.

Can I notice this feeling without making it the whole story?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 4, the neighbors are 3 and 5. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 4 connects toward 1 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 4 connects toward 2 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

5 — Understanding

Attention often goes to knowledge, privacy, and conserving energy.

What would help me stay present instead of retreating into analysis?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 5, the neighbors are 4 and 6. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 5 connects toward 8 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 5 connects toward 7 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

6 — Security

Attention often goes to trust, preparedness, and uncertainty.

What do I know, and what am I imagining might happen?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 6, the neighbors are 5 and 7. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 6 connects toward 9 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 6 connects toward 3 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

7 — Possibility

Attention often goes to options, enthusiasm, and new experiences.

Can I stay with this uncomfortable moment before moving on?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 7, the neighbors are 6 and 8. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 7 connects toward 5 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 7 connects toward 1 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

8 — Agency

Attention often goes to strength, autonomy, and direct action.

Can I protect what matters while making room for another voice?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 8, the neighbors are 7 and 9. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 8 connects toward 2 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 8 connects toward 5 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

9 — Harmony

Attention often goes to peace, accommodation, and easing conflict.

What do I want to say that I have been setting aside?

Read this as an invitation to observe yourself, not a verdict about anyone.

Wings

Wings are neighboring influences. For pattern 9, the neighbors are 8 and 1. Exploring them does not assign you a wing.

Growth arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 9 connects toward 3 in the growth direction. Read the linked pattern as another perspective for adult reflection.

Stress arrow

In this traditional model, pattern 9 connects toward 6 in the stress direction. This describes a reflection framework, not a prediction about you or a child.

Bring the focus back to your response.

As a parent: What happens in me when a plan changes?

Parent guide →

As a teacher: What happens in me when the room feels unsettled?

Teacher & classroom resources →

Sarah Dutton Waxman

Sarah is a former educator of 10 years, a certified Enneagram coach, and the author of The Student Enneagram, published by That's A Big Idea, LLC in 2022.

Education
Former educator, 10 years
Coaching
Certified Enneagram coach
Authorship
The Student Enneagram, 2022
Professional profile →

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