It’s easy to feel undervalued, especially as parents who work outside the home.
We work hard and often work long hours to deliver the best we have. And we go home exhausted to feed our families.
This feeling of underestimation can sometimes turn into frustration. We may start asking ourselves: Can’t they see how hard I work to provide a living and pay the bills? Don’t you know I’m doing this for you? “
There is an old saying that money can’t buy happiness. In fact, it’s so commonplace that we hear it so often that we reflexively nod, “Of course, money can’t buy happiness.”
But perhaps it would be helpful for all of us to reconsider the truths contained in this maxim, especially in the context of family relationships. Additionally, we feel undervalued as a leading provider.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our loved ones measure their happiness and contentment by the same standards as we do: career progress, financial security, material success.
But perhaps, perhaps, what means the most to them has nothing to do with the money you provide.perhaps you the one that means the most to them.
Maybe your family doesn’t mind having more money, living in the biggest house, or driving the best car if they see you less often.
What if your kids or spouse are more interested in you attending their games, having dinner together, or spending Saturday mornings together? all they want is to share their daily joys and challenges with you, and to know that you make them the number one priority in your day, supporting and cheering them on in their individual journeys. What if
What if that’s what they want most from you?
What if they don’t care about your chances of a raise as much as you do? Maybe they just want to sit down and watch a movie together.
It’s time to challenge our long-held beliefs about what it means to support a family. Is being present and active in family life worth more than any money or material possessions?
This is not to suggest that meeting the financial needs of the family is not important. But the important thing is not to lose sight of what really matters.
After all, your family may not remember the brand of your sneakers or the size of your TV, but they will remember the feelings you gave them, the memories you made together, and the time you spent together.
The truth is, when you are there, when you show up, you are already feeding them in the best possible way, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Meaningful preparation means being there to listen to them, help them with their homework, comfort them when they’re struggling, or just laugh with them.
This can be a harsh reality to face, especially for those who have routinely sacrificed their families for financial gain. But this is a wise question for all of us to ask ourselves. You may not be able to go back and relive the past, but you can certainly rewrite the future.
The next time you’re late for work or miss another kid’s play, stop and ask yourself: “Is this really what my family wants from me?” The answer may surprise you.
And the next time you feel undervalued as a major financial provider, remind yourself, “Maybe there’s something more important I can offer them right now.” It might help.
Maybe your family doesn’t care as much about money as you do. they just care about you.
