Polish vs. American Kids: A Fun Cultural Comparison

Originally shared in Gen Dobry! (Vol. VIII, No. 12, December 2007) and reposted on PolishOrigins.com and the Polish Culture Forum, this humorous cultural comparison still rings true for many families—and we knew Dinolingo readers would enjoy it. We’ve preserved the post in its original tone to reflect the warmth, wit, and pride of growing up Polish.

Family and Independence

American kids: Move out at 18 with full support from their parents.
Polish kids: Move out at 28 with savings and wedding plans—or stay in the basement if there’s space.

Visits from Parents

American moms: Bring a Bundt cake and sit for coffee.
Polish moms: Bring three days’ worth of food, start cleaning, do the laundry, and rearrange the furniture.

American dads: Call ahead and visit on holidays.
Polish dads: Show up unannounced at 8 a.m. to mow the lawn or paint the window frames.

Everyday Life

American kids: Look in the Yellow Pages for services.
Polish kids: Call an uncle, a friend’s dad, or another contact for a cash deal.

American guests: Eat cake and coffee.
Polish guests: Eat pierogi, cabbage rolls, chicken, salad, bread, cheesecake, and have a few drinks.

Affection and Communication

American kids: Greet you with “Hi.”
Polish kids: Hug you, kiss your cheek, and pat your back.

American kids: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
Polish kids: Call them Mom and Dad.

Emotional Bonds

American kids: Have never seen you cry.
Polish kids: Cry with you.

American kids: Return your things.
Polish kids: Keep your stuff so long they forget it’s yours.

American kids: Visit and leave.
Polish kids: Stay for hours to laugh, talk, and be together.

American kids: Know a little about you.
Polish kids: Could write your memoir.

Food and Loyalty

American kids: Eat PB&J on white bread.
Polish kids: Eat kielbasa and dill pickles on rye.

American kids: Follow the crowd.
Polish kids: Will take on the crowd that left you.

American kids: Are temporary.
Polish kids: Are forever.

American kids: Think being Polish is cool.
Polish kids: Know it’s cool.

American kids: Might ignore this.
Polish kids: Will forward it to their whole family.

You Know You’re Polish When…

This hilarious list, shared by a fellow Polish kid, captures the everyday quirks of Polish heritage:

1. You or your family proudly rock a PL sticker on a Nissan Maxima.

2. Your “relatives” aren’t always actually related to you.

3. You sing “Sto lat” at every occasion.

4. You follow soccer religiously.

5. You know Pope John Paul II’s real name was Karol, not Carol.

6. You go to Midnight Mass and keep your Christmas tree until February.

7. You drink vodka straight.

8. You listen to techno (even if you don’t admit it).

9. You know “pierogi” is already plural—and get annoyed when others add an ‘s’.

10. Your pets understand Polish commands.

11. Your parents force you to listen to Disco Polo.

12. You can spot another Polish person instantly.

13. Everyone tells you about the only Polish person they ever knew (and mispronounces “dziekuje”).

14. Your name is always butchered on the first day of school.

15. Eating cow stomach (flaki) doesn’t bother you.

16. You always assume the trash can is under the sink.

17. Every window has firanki, even the bathroom.

18. You regularly do a przemeblowanie (furniture shuffle).

19. You automatically take your shoes off at the door—no matter what.

20. You celebrate both birthdays and imieniny (name days).

21. You were shocked that American weddings last hours—not days.

Want your kids to grow up with a love for their Polish roots? Try Dinolingo, where language meets fun. Songs, cartoons, stories, and games make learning Polish natural and enjoyable for young learners.