THE CHANGING ROLES OF WOMEN WITHIN THE FAMILY

As a woman, my role within my family has constantly changed. 

Daughter, wife, mother, breadwinner, grandmother.

I have played all of those parts. 

Often I have stepped outside of myself and looked at those roles as if I were an actor on the stage, taking directions on how to proceed.

Our role within the family can affect how we see ourselves as a person. 

It is an ever-changing path that can wind back onto itself. 

One moment we are dependent, leaning on others in the family to take care of us. 

As we grow, we become the person that others depend on. 

Then as we age we may find ourselves once again dependent. 

During all of this, we may swing back and forth between the roles.

Our roles are often based on the expectation of others and our interpretation of those expectations. 

For example, as a mother, our children have the expectation that we will do certain things to take care of them. 

Then as they grow up, their expectations change and we must adapt our role to their wants. 

These role changes can lead to confusing feelings for us. 

I am left wondering how you, as a woman, adapt to these changes. 

Have the changes left you feeling unsure of your role at times? 

Do you find the expectations of others in your family don't match your own expectations? 

Or, have you been able to fluidly move from one role to the next without any problems?