The Indigo Children: The New Kids Have Arrived

by Lee Carrol and Jan Tober

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Carlsbad, CA: Hay House 1999 248 pp $13.95 10 pp References No index

Lee Carol and Jan Tober bring us a collection of writings from a spectrum of counselors, intuitives and others who have worked with children who represent a new wave in the collective consciousness that is being birthed in these challenging times.

These children are described by parents and caregivers around the world. They typically present with these traits (p. 1-2):

1. Feeling and behaving like royalty;
2. Feeling they deserve to be here;
3. Strong feelings of self-worth;
4. Discomfort with authority expressed without explanations;
5. Refusing to do such things as standing in line;
6. Feeling frustrated with ritual behaviors that do not invite creativity;
7. Seeing patterns quickly and generating creative suggestions for changing the ways things are done;
8. Strongly preferring to associate with others who are similar and withdraw when they are not in stimulating company;
9. Not responding to discipline through inducing guilt; and
10. Being very forward in letting people know what they want and need.

These children have a sense of knowing who they are and what they want, and they have little hesitation in doing whatever they feel they need to do to get what they want. They are open to negotiating, but expect to be treated as equals with adults.

There are four types:

1. Humanists – who are very active (often hyperactive) and social. They are attracted to the social sciences and services, and appear likely to movie into positions of leadership.

2. Conceptualists – who favor projects over people and are fiercely independent, but need firm limits nevertheless.

3. Artists – who are highly gifted, but tend to shift quickly from one medium of expression and from one activity to another.

4. Interdimensionalists – who are omnivorous in their interests and seem to know everything (or want to think they do)

If adults (parents or teachers) tell them what to do and not to do, they are inviting struggles and battles. However, if you ask the indigo child how s/he would solve a challenging problem or situation, they are often very creative in suggesting solutions – and will then abide by the agreements that adults make with them to enable them to pursue their choices. In school there commonly are conflicts with teachers over authority and expectations, but these can be resolved when teachers discuss their expectations and invite the children to state theirs, and then seek ways to satisfy both sides.

Many of these children are perceived to be hyperactive, distractible and oppositional. They may easily be labeled as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder, each of which commonly is treated with medications.

This book presents a variety of reports from a group of open-minded, thoughtful and creative caregivers. It is highly recommended for anyone working with problem children – your own or those you teach or counsel.

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