禮儀是一個人內在修養和素質的外在表現，顯現了一個人的情商水平。禮儀的養成非一蹴而就，根基則在於家庭環境熏陶和父母的教養。一個人應學習和具備的禮儀內容，也具有一定的變化性和相對性，家長不僅要重視中華傳統經典禮儀，對於富有教育價值的西方文化禮儀，也應兼收並蓄。25條可讓孩子變得更禮貌、善良而富有涵養的美國孩子禮儀推薦給大家。
美國小孩9歲前需要掌握的25種禮節
文/David Lowry 博士
原文刊載於Parents Magazine
1. When asking for something, say "Please."
向別人詢問事情，說“請”。
2. When receiving something, say " Thank you."
當接受東西時，說“謝謝”。
3. Don't interrrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
除非有意外，否則切勿打斷大人們的交談。大人談完話後會注意到你並回答你。
4. If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase " Excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
當你需要他人的注意或想與人談話，最禮貌的短語是“對不起，打擾了”。
5. When you have any doubt doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
當你不確信事情可不可以做，先獲得許可。這樣可以避免日後長時間的痛苦。
6. The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
世人對你不喜歡的事情不感興趣。將負面的意見留給自己或與朋友們分享，不要向大人們訴苦。
7. Don't comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
不要評論他人的外表，當然除非是好評，好評總受歡迎。
8. When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
當別人問你可好，回答他們，並問他們可好。
9. When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
當你到朋友家玩時，記住對你朋友的父母說謝謝邀請，也謝謝在一起的好時光。
10. Knock on closed doors and wait to see if there's a response before entering.
門若是關著的，請敲門，等著回音，再進去。
11. When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
當你打電話時，先介紹自己，然後問可否與你要通話的人交談。
12. Be appreciative and say "Thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
收到任何礼物，都要感恩，並說“謝謝”。在電子郵件的年代，手寫的感謝卡價值尤顯珍貴。
13. Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
在大人面前絕不可以說粗話。大人早就知道這些髒話，他們覺得髒話沉悶又粗魯。
14. Don't call people mean names.
不要給人起卑劣的綽號。
15. Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
不要因任何原因取笑任何人。取笑人表明你很軟弱，與別人合夥來欺負人是很殘忍的事。
16. Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
即使戲劇或集會很乏味，仍然要安靜地坐到最後，假裝你是感興趣的。表演者和演講者都在盡全力。
17. If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
若不小心碰撞到別人，立即說“對不起”。
18. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
咳嗽或打噴嚏時，請遮住嘴。不要當眾挖鼻孔。
19. As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
當你穿走門道時，看看你能否為他人扶門。
20. If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, as if you can help. If they say "yes", do so - you may learn something new.
你父母、老師或鄰居在做事情時，若你經過，詢問是否可以幫助他們，若他們說“可以”，你去幫助他們- 你很可能學會做新的事情。
21. When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
大人請你幫忙時，帶著微笑毫無怨言地去做。
22. When someone helps you, say ＂Thank you". That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
當別人幫助你時，說“謝謝”。幫助你的人會更願意再幫助你。尤其是對老師而言。
23. Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
正確地使用餐具。若不太確信如何使用，問你父母，讓他們教你，或觀察其他大人是如何使用的。
24. Keep a napkin on you lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
用餐時，將餐巾紙放膝上，需要時用紙巾擦嘴。
25. Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.
用餐時，不要伸出手去拿桌上的東西；請別人將食物傳給你。
