Spring Into Action
I don’t know about you, but January and February are always my low-key months, part recovery from the holiday season, part gearing up for a busy spring. At no other time of year am I so “unstructured.” It's both refreshing and an absolute mess. Gearing up for Spring vacation, I decided to focus on these travel etiquette reminders for the next few months.
Introductions
Traveling with your children creates the perfect environment to practice introducing yourself to others. Have your children look the doorman, the bellman, the front desk clerk in the eye and greet them. Most adults in that environment will respond with, “Hello, Welcome. What is your name?” It's the perfect chance for your child to say, “I’m Thomas.” Depending on their age, you can teach them to say a bit more. For example, “I’m Thomas. I've been looking forward to ski school for months.” You have just reinforced eye contact, speaking clearly and communication.
Lunchtime learning
Giving our children a little independence while on vacation is so important. Use this time to teach them about ordering their own lunch from a casual place. They can be with you or a group of friends or family. Learning to ask questions about something the restaurant might or might not have, how to tip appropriately, and what to do while walking through a buffet line are all important. You have reinforced that you do not complain if the restaurant does not have exactly what you want, reviewed the importance of being thankful for those serving you by explaining gratuity, and explained that you grab a clean plate when going back through the buffet line for those delicious pancakes.
Small spaces
Most of us will travel by car or airplane this Spring. No matter your mode of transportation, you can rest assured you will be sharing a small space with others. Talk with your children about inside voices, eating things that do not smell or require a “smacking” sound, politely asking for snacks if traveling via airplane, and kindness to fellow passengers. You have now reminded them about voice levels in small spaces, what type of snacks are best while seated two inches from someone, and how to kindly grab the attention of the person serving water and light snacks.
Now, if we could have everyone follow these travel rules, I just might fly to Paris this Spring with a five year old.
