Channeling all this raw Fire Sign energy into positive activities is absolutely essential.  That energy is going to be expressed one way or another so it's in your best interest to direct it accordingly.  Independence is another challenge to the parent of an Aries child.  When they're knee-high to a grasshopper they'll wander off without a backward glance, not afraid of a thing.  If you've seen parents in the mall with their toddler harnessed to a leash, there's a good chance that child has an Aries Sun, Moon, or Ascendant.  They are impulsive and fearless, and having a child with those traits can mean numerous premature grey hairs for mom and dad.

Driven, self-motivated, and independent are a few other common Aries traits that are best refined through parental attention and love as opposed to suppressed.  Whatever you do, don't put a damper on that natural fire.  Encourage it, but in a responsible way.  Being impulsive by nature, you'll have to remind your little Aries a dozen times a day to look both ways when crossing the street and not to talk to strangers.  They're not afraid of taking chances, so it's up to you to give them challenge and adventure within a safe realm.  Otherwise, they'll define it themselves, which could lead to disaster. 

One of the first things you probably noticed about your Aries as an infant was the little dickens had a temper.  Patience is not one of his or her strong points.  Aries is ruled by Mars, the God of War, and is often expressed as aggression.  Discipline is essential, but don't do so in a cruel way that will simply feed that natural combative nature.  Again, find creative and constructive outlets for that aggression.  Sports are a great vehicle for this, no matter how young they are.  Have plenty of options in the house and backyard to keep this active child moving in a positive direction.  Noise and boisterousness goes with the territory.  That isn't going to go away any time soon, so about all you can do is set boundaries upon it.  Make it a matter of whether it's appropriate behavior in a given setting as opposed to making it entirely forbidden.  That independent streak is not going to coexist well with anything associated with the word "No!"  "Not here" or "Not now" may fly, but never "no."  Trust me on that one.

Aries is a Cardinal Sign, meaning they don't have any difficulty making their own decisions, which will hail from an early age.  You can see how this coupled with that independence will be a challenge to direct.  Notice I said "direct" and not "control" since that would be an exercise in futility.  Your little Aries has tremendous potential for success.  This may be hard to appreciate when he or she is in the midst of the "terrible two's" or numerous other stages of growing up.  However, if you try to suppress that ambition it will not end well.  That Aries energy is going to assert itself one way or another and if you aren't supportive and direct it in positive channels you probably won't like where it comes out.  You also run the risk of alienating your child for a long time to come if you persist in that style of parenting.  Remember that they're represented by a horned animal that excels at butting heads.  They tend to be brutally honest and direct in their communications, so sensitizing them to the effect this can have on others is a good idea once they reach school age; tact won't come naturally.

Being self-motivated is a great asset so your charge as a parent is to make sure that you provide plenty of acceptable outlets for your child to choose from.  They're great starters but often burn out before finishing, so encouraging perseverance is important to their future success.  Reward it heavily, starting with short-term projects that they can handle comfortably then celebrate when they complete it.  Allow them to make their own decisions as much as possible, don't expect to suppress their competitiveness, and provide socially-acceptable outlets for their natural aggression.  Aries are drawn to careers that allow them to express their independence, courage, and natural drive.  When these kids say they want to be a fireman when they grow up there's a good chance this will indeed come to pass.  The military is often attractive as well as just about anything where they can compete.  Sports of all types are also good ways to direct that competitive energy.

One thing you probably don't ever have to worry about is your child being lazy.  Providing enough activities to keep them occupied in a constructive manner can be a definitely challenge, but it will pay huge dividends later.  Again, bear in mind, that if you don't provide appropriate outlets and stimulation, that your child will find it somewhere and it may not be where you'd prefer.  Foster all that energy is a positive direction, however, and s/he will make you proud someday. 

Primary Need:  To be #1