So you think you are ready to venture out with the kiddos. This does not have to be a stressful event for you nor for the children. Below are a few tips to prepare you and them for a relaxing, fun but manners-filled outing.
你為小朋友們的外出禮儀課程做好準備功夫了嗎?千萬不要把這件事變成壓力來源, 會反而弄巧成拙. 以下是一些小提示, 可以讓你跟孩子們輕鬆, 有趣地學習禮儀。
§ Set the stage. Make sure your child knows what behavior is expected and what actions will not be tolerated. And stick to your guns. Kids believe what once they get you in public you will fall like a stack of cards under roving eyes.
在設置階段中, 要確保孩子們的行為舉止與態度, 以及哪些行為是不被允許的. 你要堅持你所堅持的因為孩子們相信你會在眾目睽睽之下的一切舉動。
§ Just as when you were single and without children, other patrons do not enjoy hearing kids screaming. If a tantrum develops, walk you child outside immediately until they (and you) calm down.
就當你是單身和沒有子女, 而其他監護人不喜歡聽到孩子們的尖叫聲. 如果想發脾氣, 應該立刻把你的孩子帶到外面, 直到你們能夠冷靜下來。
§ For heaven sakes, select an appropriate restaurant that caters to children. Do not expect to receive smiling faces from other diners if you walk into a 4 or 5 star establishment with your 4 year old in your arms.
我們應該選擇一家合適的餐廳來迎合孩子們. 當你抱著一個4歲的小朋友走進四或五星級酒店, 不要期望其他人的笑臉。
§ Plan around the appropriate time. Heading out for a meal when it is close to bed time or when your little jewel missed their daily nap is setting up everyone for disaster.
適當地計劃時間. 准時睡覺以免讓你的小朋友錯過午睡時間令其他人感到困擾。
§ Ask the wait staff for the following: hold off beverages until right before the meal is served otherwise the kid will drink like a camel; ask for a table in the back corner; remove items from the table that will cause a distraction such as candles, table card menus, etc
請服務人員提供以下服務: 飲料請在開席前才能提供, 否則孩子們會像喝飲料; 准備一張表格; 從表格上劃去一些會導致分心的物品, 例如蠟燭或菜單等等。
§ Don’t expect the children’s coloring and game menu and select crayons to keep the child occupied for very long. Make sure you bring your own bag of tricks. Stop in an “Under a Buck” store and load up of new items to peak their curiosity and keep your sanity. No Play-Doh, glitter, glue, etc.
不要指望孩子們會佔用很長時間上顔色和玩菜單遊戲，和選擇蠟筆. 請確保你把自己的技巧袋好. 請理智地加載新玩意來引起他們的好奇心. 但不包括閃爍亮片，膠水等.。
§ Always bring a “food back-up” to snack upon or when the child refuses to dine off the menu. I am not suggesting bring in your kids favorite homemade meal, just a few finger foods of raw vegetables, crackers, string cheese, etc.
總是要自備一些后備食物當作零食或當孩子拒絕吃飯的時候哄哄他(她)。我不是叫你們爲你的孩子帶來最喜愛的家常飯，只是帶一些像生蔬菜，餅乾，或串奶酪等食品。
§ Know when it is appropriate to bring your children to a party. Does the invite state “Family Included”? Never assume they are invited even if it is a casual affair.
要學會何時是適當的時間帶你的孩子去派對。邀請函上是否寫著“家庭列入”呢？千萬不要不請自來即使它是一個休閒的小派對。
§ If you can bring your children, unless there is someone assigned to watch them, you must do so. They are your children and your responsibility.
如果你帶你的孩子出去一定要有人看管著他們. 你必須這樣做, 因為他們是你的孩子, 這是你的責任。
§ You must never show up with children in tow stating “Oops, my babysitter did not show up”. If there is not a replacement you should call your hostess and advise that you are unable to attend.
絕對不能拖住你的小孩, 然後指出“哎呀，我的保姆沒有露面”. 如果沒有臨時保姆應該打電話和主人家商量，或說明你不能參加。
§ And just like any good guest, know when it is time to leave.
當一位好的客人，要學會在最適合的時候離開。
By following these simple guidelines, you can feel confident and comfortable spending quality time with your little darling in almost any situation.
遵循這些簡單的指導，你可以在任何情況下與子女享受外出用餐的美好時光。
** We would like to thank Ms. Constance Hoffman, Harmony Cotillion Etiquette Instructor, for providing us such helpful information on manners for kids.
