To " kvel " in the Yiddish language of Jewish culture, as with others worldwide, is to announce (in a pretty "loud" way) what we are feeling to anyone even remotely interested (with varying degrees of our sensitivity, guilt, and discretion), that our children or spouse are everything we could have hoped for or more. We CROW!
Whether they're sitting up (finally!), running into your arms (grandma & grandpa !), twisting their words (cleanpiper?), making their first or 51st soccer goal, dancing in the San Francisco Ballet, a promotion, ...you get the gist.
Truth is, we should always applaud our children and spouse. Not easy when they're a worry for one small/big reason or another. But,... not appealing to their own sense of self in a positive way only makes issues spiral. Your worry makes them worry more. Know the outcome of **worry?
Kvell whenever you can - don't wait! Let your family know how proud you are to have them in your life. They don't always live up to our expectations (or, needs) - it's about giving them all opportunities to be proud, independent of you, and who they are - their share in their glory; to be more responsible for themselves AND to feel that they're loved - no matter who they are - no matter who we are.
Don't wait.
** If you have a real worry, talk and consult with friends, family, clergy, or professionals.
Written by Joan Goldner, a Jewish mother who, in all honesty, does quite her share of kvetching but who never ceases to kvell (unless she wants to slap him upside his head.)
Geez! I sound just like my mother - taken to a 'different' level, I hope.
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