Why Can't My Parents See How Hard I'm Trying? Dealing with Academic Pressure at Home

That 73% is a real achievement, and it hurts deeply when the people you want to be proud of you don't see the effort behind it. You are trying — genuinely trying — and the disappointment from your parents is not a measure of your worth. It is a heavy thing to carry, and the urge to run away from it all is a sign of how much pain you are in right now, not a sign of weakness.

What might be happening with your parents

In many Pakistani families, a parent's criticism often comes from their own fear — fear that a lower mark will close doors, fear of what relatives will say, fear that they are failing as parents. That does not make their words right, but it might help you see that their reaction is not really about you. It is about their own anxiety, projected onto your report card. You are not a disappointment; you are a person who worked hard and got a solid result.

What you can do for yourself right now

• Let yourself feel the hurt without fighting it. Crying is not weakness — it is your body releasing pressure. Find a private corner and let it out. It will not last forever.
• Write down what you wish you could say to them. Not to send, just to get it out of your head. You can tear the paper afterwards. This helps the feeling of being trapped.
• Talk to one person who sees you. A cousin, a favourite teacher, a friend. Not to fix anything, just to be heard. You need someone who says "I see how hard you tried" — and that is worth more than a hundred marks.

If you want to try speaking with your parents

Pick a calm moment — not right after an exam, not when tensions are high. Say something like: "I know you want the best for me, and I am trying my best. When you say these things, I feel like giving up. Can we talk about what I can improve without making me feel worthless?" They may not change overnight, but sometimes a quiet honest sentence plants a seed.

You are not alone in this. Many students in Pakistan carry this exact weight. The most important thing is that you do not turn the hurt inward and start believing their words. You are more than a percentage. And if the feeling of wanting to get away becomes overwhelming, please talk to someone you trust — or come back here and talk to Zara. She is here to listen, any time.