Rather than Grandparents Day like we have in the United States, Poland has separate back to back days to honor grandmothers and grandfathers. Grandmother’s Day, Dzień Babci in Polish, is January 21st, and Grandfather’s Day, Dzień Dziadka in Polish, is January 22nd.
Grandparents can play an enormous role in the lives of their grandchildren. I know my grandmothers did even though we lived more than 100 miles apart. My own parents were very involved in our daughters’ lives even though they were still working fulltime. They were a tremendous help when we needed an evening or weekend babysitters, and they attended the girls’ dance recitals and concerts and were always willing to play. For many a Polish grandmother and Polish grandfather, the commitment to grandkids is extraordinary and daily.
Polish Grandparents
During my weekday outings, I saw so many of my Polish neighbors pushing a pram or out and about with toddlers. I would say it’s common for grandparents or even great-grandparents to be watching the little ones while parents are at work.
I know there are daycare centers for children in Poland. True, I only say that with certainty because I visited one with my friend Yana as she picked up her 1-year old daughter. On a side note, let me say that it takes a tremendous amount of time to get a child ready to go outdoors during a Polish winter. There are so many layers of bundling up, something that, fortunately, I missed raising children in Florida and Arizona.
While there are daycare centers and nannies, a more common arrangement is to have grandparents in the caregiving role if possible.
Interesting statistics on the subject:
- Senior Poles are much more likely to be grandparents than their European counterparts.
- On average, they have 3 grandchildren.
- They are with their grandchildren more than other Europeans, 1.5 times more.
- You can count on babcia and dziadek (in Polish: grandma and grandpa respectively) to spoil their grandkids with time, attention, and good things to eat.
Celebrating Grandmother’s Day & Grandfather’s Day
What form do these celebrations take? Nothing fancy, just a family gathering, a bouquet of flowers or some little gift. Children can make hand-made cards for their grandparents on this special occasion. Adult grandchildren should make an effort to visit their grandparents and acknowledge all they’ve done for them over the years.
How to Pronounce Polish Grandmother and Polish Grandfather?
Lois
Martha Kowalczyk
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