Does your child have a Polish friend?

Question

Mine does, they are both 7, we live on the same road they go to the same school, hence the friendship. The pal can't speak much English, I am sure this is wonderful for her, and she is a lovely girl, but will my girl be at a disadvantage, or indeed an advantage?

Answer 1

My youngest's (6) best friend is Polish and we asked the question at parents evening about being held back by her friends lack of English language and cultural understanding only to find out that her English language and writing is better than most of her class mates and shes only been in the country for 9 months! so i wouldn't worry and look on the bright side that your daughter may grow up being multilingual which is my wish for my daughter.

Answer 2

I don't have kids, but I get on well with a Polish guy at work. it's interesting to hear about what it was like in Poland before he moved to Scotland.

I'm sure your daughter will be at an advantage, she's learning to accept people for who they are and not because of where they come from.

Answer 3

That reminds me of myself, i didnt know much English when i was young, yet i had great friends. Your child is at an advantage. She can maybe learn a little Polish, and make a good friend.

Answer 4

Whoo this comes off sounding a bit racist!

As the "outsider" in our community (I am english speaking in Japan) I would not blame the  mum for feeling very offended by this. I know I would be very hurt to know that my daughter`s friends` mother`s were thinking like that. I would hate that "adult" ways of thinking were spoiling an innocent friendship.

I remember having a Thai friend at school and loved going to her house and having dinner there. I think it opened my mind to having friends of different nationalities, as I had friends from many different countries growing up....which led to a desire to travel and to learn more about different countries and cultures.

I can`t see how it will be anything but an advantage for your child. She is learning about different cultures and peoples..and that even though people are different they are still our friends. By helping her friend and understanding her difficulties she is learning valuable empathy and tolerance as well as responsibility.

I think that the advantages for your daughter are greater than for the other little girl. The Polish girl is just learning English, your daughter is learning valuable life lessons.

Answer 5

i dont have any kids, but i do have loads of polish friends and they are great! i love them and they are teaching me polish! i think if she picks up another language then it can only be an advantage!

Answer 6

im not a mother but there has been an increase in Polish children in Ireland in the last year.so i have loads of polish friends but alsoirish ones too. im in secondry school.

i really dont think it as an advantage as if shes happy with that girl there should be no problem.its not as though she's a loner.but if your really worried try enrolling your daughter into ome clubs and activities where she can make other english friends too.

but i dont think it a disadvantage for her.:)

Answer 7

People from Poland tend to invest a lot into bringing up respectful and ambitious childen, so you can expect that girl to be a good influence on your daughter. It will also be helpful for your child to come into contact with other cultures but her own, and she will feel useful when she explains things to her new friend. So - encourage her to continue with this friendship, it's all for the best.

Answer 8

My elder boy has a Polish school and I have a Polish work colleague. I would think think that your daughter would have an advantage with this friendship, i.e learning about different people and languages etc. Do you speak to the girl's mum?

Answer 9

I'm fourteen, and I have a Polish friend.

Answer 10

It is an advantage I have many Polish friends and my children do as well they are lovely people just give them a chance.

Answer 11

My sons school has taken a lot of Polish kids in and they really are the nicest politest children you can come across don't worry about the English barrier they soon pick it up.

I think its more of an advantage as the children will be learning about a whole different culture.

Answer 12

One of my friends is marrying a Polish guy sometime next year. Since both of us grew up in quite a conservative middle-class area, she's faced some disapproval from the older generation, but my friend seems really happy, so thats the main thing.

In middle school, I was friends with people from Japan, China, Thailand, Korea, Pakistan and India and I learnt loads about their different cultures and religions. It was really interesting and a great life lesson.

Your daughter will probably learn some similar life lessons about other cultures and religions, so its an advantage for her.

Answer 13

It is a good thing. Don't doubt it.  It might be a little more work, but it will be worth having that friendship.

Answer 14

i would say its a good thing cant see anythin wrong with it!

Answer 15

I'm part polish, but basically English and all, I look english and know no other language:)

Alot of my friends are Irish.

Answer 16

does it matter. Soon the girl will learn english. As long as they are having fun there is no disadvantage

Answer 17

Nahh I don't have any, but I don't know anyone Polish! I do know a couple Germans though!!!