This was the start of how my view of motherhood changed.
You know how they say, “Don’t compare yourself to others”? Well, this blog is all about comparisons, and how the heck do I become like this Polish mom?
It all started with an unexpected, life-changing layoff. My family decided to take our savings and make the best of our experience. Besides, we had always wanted to take a few months abroad, so what better time than now?
What I didn’t expect was to travel to three different countries in seven months with two kids in tow. We first traveled to Japan and Thailand. No one could prepare us for the amazing experiences we would have in each place.
Then came Poland. We had no expectations of Warsaw or Kraków. And honestly, after seeing fear-mongering on social media, I thought my family wouldn’t be accepted. We went anyway, and it turned out to be quite the opposite.
When we landed, the anticipation kicked in after experiencing how kind the locals were to people with kids. We were excited to dive into the culture, try new foods, and learn more about this amazing country.
Our family booked housing in a newer, hip neighborhood with malls, convenience stores on every corner, and playgrounds galore. Seriously, there was a playground every two minutes from the next. This is where I would meet a mom who would welcome us into her family and home.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that we met. I took the kids to a different playground on this day. It was freezing out, but I bundled us all up and headed out. After visiting our first playground, something told me, “Go to the playground across the street.” I’m not sure why this voice popped into my head, but it did, and I followed it.
I met my mama friend. We exchanged a hello and hovered around each other for a bit. Our toddler sons played a little.
Then we started to chat. She mentioned that she didn’t know much English and wanted to practice with me. In my head, I thought, “You speak better English than some people I know.” I thought it was a sweet gesture that she trusted me to help her.
As the air got cooler by the minute, we decided to say goodbye. But again, that voice in my head nudged me to exchange numbers and schedule a playdate. So I did!
The mom was so happy to have a new friend. She mentioned it was her first time at that playground, even though she’d lived there for quite some time. I knew it was fate. The two of us, both going to a new playground, on the same day and time, and meeting each other.
We made our way back home when I received a message: “Let’s meet up after Christmas.” It was from my new mom friend! I jumped up and down with joy and told my husband all about our chance meeting.
Now, back in the States, it’s rare to hear back from a mom after exchanging numbers. I’ve learned not to take this personally. Things get busy. The other mom may be shy. Or maybe we didn’t click the way I thought we did. So, the moment I got a text just hours later, it made my day! Do you ever feel like meeting new moms can feel like dating?
Fast forward to our playdate. Her family met us at the door with a warm welcome. Their condo was quaint, sweet, and filled with love. There were wooden toys, not too many, but just enough for her toddler to feel content and happy.
The smell of fresh-baked bread lingered in the air. I had no idea she had made a dish for us, especially since it was after dinner time. When she served us this savory and sweet treat, my heart felt full. To have someone prepare a dish is like serving love on a plate. I felt a little ashamed that I showed up with chocolates and other store-bought items.
While the kids played, my mom friend and her husband talked about their lives before kids, their quirky hobbies (trains and Legos, just like my kiddos and husband), and what life is like in Poland. What stood out to me was the dad hanging out with us, even though my husband wasn’t there. It was such a nice and surprising moment.
The interactions with dads in the U.S. are quite different. They might say a quick hi and then disappear. I have a few theories on this. Maybe they don’t feel comfortable around moms they don’t know. Maybe they’re giving the mom some “mom time.” Or maybe it’s their chance to do their own thing while mom is occupied.
After a few more hours of playtime and a couple of toddler tantrums, we wrapped up the fun. I was invited to come back for another playdate, this time with my husband. We would visit a few more times and build a bond with their family. To this day, we still have a group picture of all of us on our refrigerator.
I had no idea that the biggest lesson from this experience would not come from a guide or tour, but rather a chance meeting with a mom from a playground in Poland.
From this mom’s act of kindness, I learned that life doesn’t have to be perfect but rather simple, warm, and rooted in community.
How This Journey Made Me a Better Mom
Following My Intuition
I listened to that quiet voice nudging me to visit the second playground and exchange numbers. Trusting your instincts can open the door to a beautiful, unexpected friendship and remind you that meaningful connections often start with small, brave steps.
Being Open to New Experiences
Traveling with two kids across three countries pushed me out of my comfort zone. It taught me that kids are more adaptable than we think. I learned to embrace unfamiliar cultures and routines, which made me more flexible and present as a mom.
Letting Go of Comparison, But Staying Inspired
While I joked about wanting to be like the Polish mom, what I found was admiration, not envy. Observing how another mom parented with simplicity and intention encouraged me to slow down and rethink what “being a good mom” really looks like.
Welcoming Community (Even if it Feels Like Dating!)
I realized how valuable and rare it is to find genuine mom friends, especially ones who follow up! It reminded me to be that mom who reaches out, sends the message, and welcomes connection. Mom life doesn’t have to be lonely.
Celebrating Simplicity and Intentionality
From the wooden toys to the homemade meal, my Polish friend showed me that parenting doesn’t need to be extravagant to be beautiful. I saw that joy can live in the quiet moments, and that being intentional with your time and presence matters most. The phones were put away, and I discovered that social media was not a thing that everyone wanted to “do” in Poland.
Involving the Whole Family
Seeing how my mama-friend’s husband was part of the playdate, even without mine there, opened my eyes to the benefits of more integrated parenting. It inspired reflection on how my husband and I can model connection and openness for our kids, too.
Kindness Has a Global Language
The warmth I received, even from someone with a language barrier, reminded me that kindness, hospitality, and motherhood are universal. I left with a bigger heart and a more open mind for the world my children are growing up in.
Have you had a life-changing experience with a person you met? How did you process it? How did it change you?
