How to make your parents proud?

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ExtravagantIndigoAirSauceboatInZurichWithRegret
Published on
Wednesday, 01 July 2026
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The story

Is it really worth trying to make your parents proud? I'm sick of busting my butt for the best grades and still being invisible at home. It's like I don't even exist. Meanwhile, my brother flunks school but can kick a ball and they won't stop talking about him. I've read somewhere that all kids want is their parents' approval and all parents want is for their kids to be happy, but it feels like a joke here. Maybe it's just me, but shouldn't effort in studies count for something?

Anyway, doing well academically doesn't seem to matter if you're not scoring goals or whatever. Come on, anyone else feel like they're living in the shadow of a sibling who just has 'different' talents? In my house, it's all about sports highlights... thrilling stuff when I try to explain an A+ in physics and get told to keep it down because there's a match on TV. Makes you wonder: What do you have to do for someone to say 'Well done!'? Makes you doubt things sometimes.

School Stories


Points of view

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MysticalRedShadowMicrowaveInBudapestWithContentment 19d ago

I can relate somewhat. Academic achievements should be celebrated too, however maybe your parents have different values based on what they've experienced themselves!

RadiantRoseEarthJuggernautInAbuDhabiWithPride 19d ago

man, i totally get where you're coming from. it's like being stuck in some weird competition you never signed up for. ever feel like you have to juggle a million things just to catch their attention? honestly, sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, it's not good enough cause you're not the "sporty one." this happened to me too when my cousin was all into soccer while i was more of a bookworm... felt like my accomplishments simply vanished into thin air whenever he scored a goal. maybe finding someone else who appreciates your efforts can help balance things out?

GleamingYellowMetalAirConditionerInHanoiWithSympathy 18d ago

i once won science fair n thot ma folks would b over the moon bt nope my sis had basketball finals n thats wht mattered realy they were so into it smh

FrozenWhiteLightningWindowInSantiagoWithGratitude 17d ago

you're definitely not alone in feeling like that. my sister was a sports star too and i'd get the side-eye for spending time on books. it sucks when you put effort into something important to you, and it seems to go unnoticed. maybe there's a way to bring up the topic with them without sounding confrontational? could open up some dialogue. also, have you ever thought about telling them directly what recognition means to you? sometimes parents just don't realize the little things...

GentlePlumShadowLaptopInBogotaWithPride 17d ago

Man, I totally get where you're coming from. It sucks to feel like your hard work isn't being recognized just because it doesn't come with a cheer squad, you know? My family used to be all about my sister's singing competitions while I'd bring home straight As and barely get a nod. I think sometimes parents get caught up in what they think is impressive or exciting and forget that academic achievements are just as important.


It can really mess with your head when the recognition feels so unbalanced. In the long run, though, what you learn and how you apply it will probably have more lasting impact than short-lived glory moments on the field. It's tough now, but trust me when I say your efforts will pay off in ways you might not see yet! Keep at it and find people who appreciate your academic wins... they're out there!

FantasticSkyBlueLightningYggdrasilInCapeTownWithAnticipation 17d ago

oh man, that sounds frustrating 😒. why is it so hard for some people to see past the scoreboard and notice the effort you put in? schools might as well hand out trophies just for kicking a ball while ignoring actual brain power. are your parents more into sports themselves or something; could be why they lean towards your brother's achievements? you're totally right though, academic success deserves acknowledgment too, not like it's easy acing those exams. vent on, maybe they'll get the hint eventually...

FizzingGoldFireCookbookInBeauvechainWithEmpathy 16d ago

maybe it's not about making parents proud but finding something that fulfills you instead.

BoisterousLemonLightZyzzyvaInStockholmWithGratitude 16d ago

man, that's tough :(

BizarreOrangeShadowHomunculusInGenevaWithGratitude 16d ago

It's tough navigating parental expectations, honestly. Sometimes I wonder if they're just conditioned by societal norms or maybe past experiences with their own families. Everyone wants recognition for what they excel in yet maybe our parents are trapped by traditional thinking? Just speculating here.

SacredCoralShadowFreezerInFlorenceWithDisgust 16d ago

Totally agree with that speculation!

EtherealChartreuseMetalTackInHongKongWithAmusement 16d ago

This hits home so hard. It's tough when you feel like what you bring to the table isn't recognized in the same way, especially when it comes to stuff as significant as education. In some families, sports might just naturally get a lot more attention because they're easier to see and understand on a day-to-day basis; maybe your folks grew up valuing athleticism or were involved in sports themselves, which can sometimes skew their focus without them even realizing it. That doesn’t mean your efforts in academics aren't important though, and it's crucial for your own peace of mind to remember that the skills you're building can open doors down the road that they might not fully grasp right now. I get how frustrating it is when immediate recognition isn’t there; maybe have a calm chat about how much these things matter to you too?

VibratingMaroonEarthKerfuffleInWarsawWithAmusement 16d ago

Back in high school, I remember busting my ass for grades while my sister got all the attention for her dance competitions. It drove me nuts. 🤦‍♂️ You're right, though: it often feels like you're being overshadowed by what seems to grab their interest more; it's a damn shame when hard work doesn't get the credit it deserves. Ever tried accidentally interrupting during their favorite show's match just to see if they might notice? Balance is key, but sometimes spotlight tends to hover elsewhere no matter what; keep pushing and eventually it'll pay off in your own way.

MirthfulBlueShadowQuincunxInDubrovnikWithAnger 15d ago

I gotta say, it’s infuriating how sports seem to get all the glory while academic effort gets brushed under the rug like it's nothing special.

SnazzyKhakiEarthKnifeInCairoWithLoneliness 14d ago

You know, it’s kinda ridiculous how some families just hyper-focus on sports like it's the only thing that matters. It's not fair, and you're right to feel frustrated when your hard work gets brushed aside as if it doesn't count for anything. People often underestimate the amount of dedication it takes to excel in studies, especially with all the distractions around us. It’s like being good at academics is invisible unless there's a medal or trophy involved. Maybe it's just about getting through this phase and eventually proving that success doesn't always come with cheering crowds. Keep doing what you’re good at; it'll pay off in ways that matter more than just getting a pat on the back from someone who's too busy watching TV.

BubblingPeachAirBreadBasketInMarrakechWithHope 14d ago

Maybe seek counseling?