Feel like you’re in a 1950’s nightmare?

You went back to work when the time was right, and the kids were old enough to help with more chores around them home.  But sadly this hasn’t happened.  This has lead to everyone dropping the ball, which you constantly juggle, which leaves you feeling like you’re living in a 1950’s nightmare!

You’re disappointed that you’re ignored or undervalued, which can be a very isolating and frustrating experience for women in general.  Believe me, this was me until I spoke up and changed the narrative.  It can make you feel like your contributions are not valued, and that you’re just expected to do everything. This can lead to a number of negative consequences, including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Reasons for feeling ignored.

There are a number of reasons why women might feel ignored in the home. Some of these reasons include:

• Gender stereotypes: Gender stereotypes can create a power imbalance in the home, with men being seen as the primary decision-makers and women being seen as the secondary caregivers. Yes, it’s 2024, but sometimes these 1950’s values still seem to be around. This can lead to women feeling like their voices are not heard or valued.
• Unequal division of chores: When women are responsible for the majority of the household chores and childcare, they may feel like they have no time or energy to speak up. This can lead to them feeling like their contributions are not valued, and that their voices do not matter.  The other side of this is we sometimes feel the family don’t do it to our standard, so we step in and fix what we think is wrong, which we need to stop doing.  
• Communication problems: If there are communication problems within the family, it can be difficult for women to feel heard and understood.
• Power imbalances: If there is a power imbalance in the family, such as if the husband is the sole decision maker, women feel like their voices are not as important as those of their male partners, which then rubs off onto the kids who follow the leader role. 
• Feeling dismissed: Women may feel ignored when they are constantly interrupted, talked over, or dismissed by their family member/s.

How to stop being ignored.

If you are a woman who feels ignored in your family, there are things you can do to address the issue. You can:

• Talk to your family members about how you are feeling. This can be a difficult conversation, but it is important to be honest about your needs and expectations.  Arrange a family meeting where everyone can bring their gripes so the balance is there and it’s not just Mum having a whinge. 
• Set boundaries with your family members. This means being clear about what you are willing to do and what you are not willing to do.
• Seek support from friends, family, or reach out to me. Talking to someone who understands what you are going through can be helpful.

So, my final thought for this blog is if you’re feeling ignored in the home, it can be a very difficult experience. However, there are a number of things that can be done to support you. By listening, encouraging, setting boundaries, and reaching out for help, you can feel heard, valued, and respected.

If you do manage to get the narrative moved slightly, let me know.  I’d love to know how it goes! 

Until next time,  Sarah xo 

PS. Want help changing this narrative permanently?  Click HERE to lock in a discovery call today!