When Parents No Longer Display Your Art on the Fridge
The forgotten child has something to say
When a child brings home a drawing from school the parents ooh and aah and then display it on the refrigerator.
Stuck there for the world to see, held by a few mismatched magnets.
It stays there until space is needed for other paintings, report cards, awards, etc.
That’s how it always was and that’s how it should be.
Granted, as the child gets older, there are fewer magnet-worthy pieces of art. Stick-figure paintings get replaced by class pictures, then by graduation announcements, then by bills.
Have the refrigerator magnets lost their will to stick, or have the parents?
Anything good that comes around should be acknowledged. Every attempt in the right direction should be acknowledged.
Even if it’s a good job or a nice try, it should be said. A child needs to hear that validation. Who are we to deprive anyone of validation?
When your kid has been studying for a big test, and they come through the door with a good grade, that’s a time to give praise, or at least acknowledge their effort.
No matter how old that child gets, they still need to hear it.
The problem child needs to hear it, too.
Some might argue that a problem child needs to hear it more often. Positive reinforcement and what have you.
The proud moments might be few and far between for them, so when the problem child does anything in the right direction, it’s time to party.
Celebrate, so he or she knows to do the same type of stuff. Duh.
Parents should be proud of their kids forever.
This love train shouldn’t stop just because the kids are adults now.
Let me repeat that. Adults need to be acknowledged. A person should never have to beg for a parent’s attention.
In this particular scenario, I will stop being so vague and shine a light on the problem at hand.
I have a small immediate family. It’s just Mom, Dad, my brother, and me. Though we haven’t lived under the same roof in decades, I see my parents almost every day.
For me, sharing my writing was a big step in the right direction. Some of the stories I’m actually proud of, and I would love for my immediate family to be there with me.
I don’t understand why it’s so hard to get them on board.
All 3 of them know where I publish my stories. All 3 of them know it’s only $5(they can afford it) a month to read all my stories (and more), yet they haven’t signed up.
Hell, I’ve sent them friend links to read my stories, and still nothing.
It hurts my heart when I imagine their perspective.
If any one of them wrote something, or painted, acted, sang, played guitar, danced, or put their heart into something, they wouldn’t have to ask me. I would be there cheering them on.
That’s what families do.
I write openly about this because I know very few people will read this rant, and the 3 people that hurt my feelings definitely won’t. I guess that’s the silver lining.
It’s best not to chase after approval or acceptance, especially when you know in your heart you deserve it.
I know my family loves me and they have their own lives, I can’t be too upset by this. At least not for too long.
Fortunately, I have some amazing friends that are supportive. A few of them are my referred members. And I love them even more for that.
I’m also part of a beautiful community of writers that have been supportive since day one.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here with me.
Things to remember
- Tell your kids when you are proud of them. Hang their drawings up for the world to see.
- Every person wants their efforts to be noticed.
- Not everybody will understand, but don’t let anyone diminish something you love. Either find like-minded people that will accept you, or learn to accept yourself.
You are all you need. Grab some magnets and display your own drawing on the fridge.
