«I am proud of my children's commitment»

Barbora Gerny, 49, works as a gallery owner and photographer. She lives with her husband Michael, 52, and their two children Jonaš, 15, and Josefina, 14, in Erlenbach ZH.

When parents are so obviously proud of their children, it doesn't go down particularly well. When I didn't yet have children, I found it more than a little strange that a friend was constantly talking about how many things his children were the best at. In sport, playing the piano, at school. Unbeatable, so to speak. I swore to myself back then that I would never brag about my children like that! I'm sticking to it, I'm not going to tell them all the great things Jonas and Josefina are doing.

From the very first moment, I was incredibly proud of the most natural things.

But I can now understand this feeling of excitement about my own children: From the very first moment, I was incredibly proud of the most natural things. The first step. The first smile. The first tooth. The first word.

This very special joy, which I only know in connection with my children, has not diminished over the years. It sometimes literally overwhelms me at completely unexpected moments. If I absolutely have to tell someone, then I talk to my husband or my mum. They are happy for me!

For example, my son was recently interested in going to a special art school. The entrance exams there are tough. He worked really hard for it and his portfolio of art work was highly praised. Nevertheless, he was not accepted. That disappointed him, but I was incredibly proud of him.

I know these admission procedures. I myself only got a place on my art degree programme at the third attempt. It's good for your personality if you don't get everything right straight away. His attitude and commitment inspired me and made me happy.

Parental pride without pressure

My husband and I agree about parental pride. We are not proud when one of our children achieves top results, nor do we explicitly praise this. I also don't want to teach my children that achievement and a career promise a happy life. We praise them when they show enthusiasm and commitment.

We recently visited our family in Prague and a cousin asked our daughter Josefina if she would like to talk about Switzerland in German lessons. I know that at this age it takes a lot of effort to stand in front of so many strangers and speak freely. Josefina decided of her own accord that she would do this for her cousin and overcame her shyness. Without any help or assistance from me. I was very impressed and told her: «You can be really proud of yourself. I am too.»