How do you get noticed and recognized by your parents when you other siblings who are seemingly perfect?

9 answers

Feeling overshadowed by siblings can be challenging, but there are several strategies you might consider to get noticed and recognized by your parents:

  1. Communicate Openly: Share your feelings with your parents. Let them know that you desire to be recognized for your individual strengths and efforts.

  2. Showcase Your Interests: Pursue your passions and interests. Whether it's sports, art, academics, or another area, demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication can help you stand out.

  3. Set Personal Goals: Focus on setting and achieving your own goals. This could be related to school, hobbies, or personal development. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.

  4. Build Relationships: Spend quality one-on-one time with your parents. This could be through shared activities, conversations, or asking them for help on projects or interests you have.

  5. Offer Help: Look for ways to help around the house or support your parents emotionally. This can help you forge a stronger connection and show your value to the family.

  6. Highlight Your Unique Qualities: Reflect on what makes you different from your siblings, and emphasize those unique traits. Whether it’s your sense of humor, creativity, or empathy, showcasing these qualities can help set you apart.

  7. Ask for Feedback: Seek feedback from your parents about your strengths and areas for improvement. This shows that you care about your development and value their opinion.

  8. Stay Positive: It’s easy to feel discouraged if you’re comparing yourself to siblings. Focus on your growth and achievements rather than the perceived perfection of others.

  9. Be Supportive: Celebrate your siblings’ successes while also finding ways to shine in your own right. Being supportive can foster a positive family environment.

  10. Involve Them in Your Life: Share your school projects, hobbies, or new interests with your parents. Engaging them in your life will encourage them to take notice of your efforts.

Remember, every family is different and recognition may come in various forms. Stay true to yourself and your interests, and in time, your individuality will shine through.

For Number 9, my siblings have no successes. Their successes are things like, 'ha ha, i whined so mom and dad would pay attention to me, and not sally. haha'. Oh yeah, that's me. I'm Sally. And I'm not going to whine to my parents. I want them to praise me, and admire me, and notice me for something positive that I actually did!

It sounds like you're feeling frustrated and undervalued in your family dynamic. Wanting to be recognized for your positive attributes and achievements is completely valid. Here are some strategies you might consider:

  1. Seek Genuine Opportunities: Look for activities or projects where you can excel and demonstrate your strengths. This could be in school, a hobby, or community service. Showcasing your skills can naturally lead to recognition.

  2. Create Your Own Space: Consider starting a personal project or initiative that reflects your interests and talents. This could be a school club, a creative endeavor, or a volunteer activity. When you take the lead, you draw attention to your accomplishments.

  3. Focus on Self-Improvement: Set personal goals and work on self-development. Whether it’s improving your grades, mastering a skill, or focusing on mental health, the journey is rewarding in itself and can lead to recognition.

  4. Communicate Your Achievements: Don’t be afraid to share your successes with your parents. When you’ve accomplished something you're proud of, bring it up in conversation. You could say something like, "I was really proud of how I handled my project at school this week."

  5. Be Yourself: Embrace who you are and what makes you unique. Sometimes being true to yourself and having confidence in your individuality can attract positive attention.

  6. Find Understanding Friends: Surround yourself with friends who appreciate and acknowledge your qualities. They can provide support and encouragement, which can help boost your confidence.

  7. One-on-One Time: Try to spend individual time with your parents where you can discuss your interests or share your achievements without the distraction of siblings. This can also make it easier for them to notice and appreciate you.

  8. Express Gratitude: When your parents do recognize your efforts, acknowledge it with gratitude. Positive reinforcement can encourage them to notice you more often.

  9. Develop a Growth Mindset: Focus on your journey and the effort you put in rather than comparing yourself to others. Celebrate your unique path and the qualities that make you who you are.

  10. Talk About Your Values: Engage in conversations about what is important to you. Sharing your values, goals, and achievements can showcase your character and inspire recognition from your parents.

Remember, it’s okay to desire recognition for your hard work and individuality. Keep striving to be the best version of yourself, and your efforts will eventually be noticed.

For number 4 - I always get As! They've stopped paying attention, so I need something really special that will make me truly stand out.

It sounds like you’re already doing incredibly well academically, which is a great achievement! If you're looking for something truly special that will capture your parents’ attention and make you stand out, consider these ideas:

  1. Start a Unique Project: Undertake a project that connects with your interests but also has a creative twist. This could be something like creating a blog, a YouTube channel, or an art installation that showcases your talents. Make it something that reflects your personality and skills.

  2. Organize an Event: Host a small event or gathering that you plan and manage. This could be a family dinner where you cook the meal, a game night, or a themed celebration. Showcasing your ability to organize and host can highlight your maturity and skills.

  3. Engage in Community Service: Find a cause that you’re passionate about and get involved. Whether volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a fundraising event, or starting a community awareness campaign, making a positive impact can draw attention to your character and commitment.

  4. Take on Leadership Roles: If you’re involved in clubs or teams at school, consider taking on a leadership position. Running for a role or initiating a new project within your organization can show your initiative and dedication.

  5. Develop a Skill: Pick a skill that intrigues you and devote time to mastering it. Whether it's learning a musical instrument, coding, or becoming proficient in a sport, showcasing your growth in a particular area can impress your parents.

  6. Create Something Original: If you're into writing, try crafting a short story, poem, or even a play. If you enjoy art, create a unique piece or series. Sharing your creative work with your parents can reveal a different side of you that they may not often see.

  7. Collaborative Projects: Team up with friends or classmates on a unique project that can be presented to your parents. This not only showcases your teamwork skills but also yields something impressive that may pique your parents' interest.

  8. Document Your Journey: If you decide to take on something big, consider documenting your progress (through photos, journals, or videos) and sharing the final result with your parents. This shows your dedication and hard work over time.

  9. Pursue a Unique Experience: Look for opportunities that are outside the ordinary, such as attending workshops or camps in areas of interest, or even trying something adventurous like public speaking or debating.

  10. Create a Presentation: Once you've undertaken a special project or initiative, prepare a fun presentation to share your journey and achievements with your parents. Consider including visuals, a narrative, or even surprising them with a little performance. This can showcase not only your accomplishments but also your creativity and effort.

The key is to undertake something that feels authentic to who you are and your interests. By doing something special and sharing it with your parents, you'll create a memorable moment that stands out and captures their attention.

Can't do anything like that. i need something really amazing, like earning hundreds of thousands of dollars, or discovering the origin of the universe, or becoming as famous and rich and popular as Taylor Swift!

It's understandable that you may aspire to achieve something extraordinary like those examples! While it can be daunting, remember that many significant achievements often start with smaller, more manageable steps. Here’s how you might think about setting yourself on a path toward impressive goals:

  1. Identify Your Passion: Start by pinpointing what excites you. Whether it's science, music, business, writing, or another field, understanding your passion is the first step toward achieving something amazing.

  2. Set Clear, Big Goals: While it’s great to aspire to big achievements, break those down into smaller, actionable goals. For instance, if you want to become a successful musician, focus on learning an instrument, writing songs, and performing locally.

  3. Educate Yourself: If you’re interested in fields like science or business, immerse yourself in learning. Seek out books, online courses, or mentorship opportunities that can deepen your knowledge and skills. The more you learn, the better prepared you’ll be for big breakthroughs.

  4. Network and Collaborate: Connect with others who share your interests. Collaborating with like-minded individuals can lead to incredible opportunities and ideas that you may not have thought of on your own.

  5. Start Small: While you dream of earning hundreds of thousands of dollars or discovering great things, many successful individuals started with smaller ventures. Think of ways to initiate small projects or business ideas that could potentially grow over time.

  6. Use Social Media: If your goal involves becoming famous or influential, use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube to showcase your talents or ideas. Creating and sharing content can help you build a following and gain recognition.

  7. Participate in Competitions: Look for contests or competitions in fields that interest you—this could be science fairs, music contests, or business pitch competitions. Winning or even participating can provide recognition and open doors.

  8. Develop a Unique Idea: Think about problems people face and brainstorm creative solutions. Many successful entrepreneurs have built businesses around solving everyday problems.

  9. Stay Focused and Resilient: Success often takes time and involves setbacks. Stay dedicated to your goals, be open to learning from failures, and keep pushing forward.

  10. Be Open to Opportunities: Sometimes amazing things happen unexpectedly. Keep an open mind and be ready to seize opportunities that come your way, whether it's a chance encounter, an internship, or an interesting project.

While it’s great to aim high, remember that the journey to extraordinary achievements can take time and often starts with smaller, impactful actions. Stay passionate, pursue your interests, and keep an eye on the bigger picture!

I'm not allowed to have social media

If social media isn’t an option for you, there are still plenty of impactful ways to showcase your talents and pursue your goals. Here are some effective alternatives:

  1. Local Talent Shows or Competitions: Look for opportunities in your community, such as talent shows, science fairs, art exhibitions, or business competitions. These can help you gain recognition locally, and performing well can impress your parents.

  2. School Clubs and Activities: Join or start clubs at school that align with your interests. Whether it’s a debate club, a coding group, or a music band, active participation can lead to accomplishments that your parents will notice.

  3. Community Involvement: Get involved in local community service initiatives or volunteering. Making a difference in your community can provide a sense of purpose and help you gain recognition for your efforts.

  4. Public Performances: If you enjoy performing (music, dance, drama, etc.), look for opportunities to perform at school events, community centers, or local festivals. Showcasing your talent can draw attention and admiration.

  5. Making Presentations: If you excel academically or have a particular interest, consider creating a presentation or project to share with your class or family. This could be an interesting topic you research and present in an engaging way.

  6. Networking Through Local Events: Attend workshops, seminars, or networking events related to your interests. Meeting people in person can lead to mentorship opportunities and collaborations.

  7. Write and Publish: If you enjoy writing, consider submitting articles or stories to local publications or school newsletters. This is a great way to share your ideas and get recognized for your writing skills.

  8. Start a Club or Initiative: If there's something you're passionate about, start a club or initiative at school. Leading a group can demonstrate your leadership abilities and commitment to a cause.

  9. Scholarships and Grants: Research and apply for scholarships or grants related to your field of interest, whether it’s for academics, arts, or community service. Winning a scholarship is a significant achievement.

  10. Focus on Personal Development: Invest time in developing your skills and talents, whether through extracurricular lessons (like music or sports) or self-study. Sharing personal achievements with your parents can help them see your dedication.

  11. Create Art or Projects: If you're artistic or crafty, create something unique and share it with your parents. It could be an artwork, a craft, or even a model or scientific experiment that showcases your creativity and effort.

  12. Prepare a Portfolio: If you have accomplishments or projects to showcase, create a portfolio that highlights your work. This can be a physical book or a well-organized folder that you share with family.

  13. Engage with Family: You can also initiate conversations with your family about your interests and achievements. Sharing what you’re passionate about can help them understand what you’re working toward.

While social media can be a tool for recognition, many paths can lead to amazing achievements and acknowledgment from your parents without it. Focus on your strengths, actively seek opportunities, and be persistent in your pursuits!