Raising a Southern Belle...

So, my newest challenge is teaching Mackenzie some good southern manners--Of course, I have been working on this since she was able to talk--and it is a on-going process...She does do very well, but has to be reminded at times!! I am reading this new book and the first chapter is on leading the way to good manners:
1. Use "please", "thank you", & "excuse me"--ALWAYS!
2. Wait your turn. (Well, this one is going to be a tough one, b/c Mackenzie loves to be the first one to do everything..hmm..we'll see)
3. Be generous with compliments and stingy with criticism.
4. Listen to your child when she speaks to you, even if you've heard it before. (Well, this one is a lesson for me, b/c if any of you have traveled with Mackenzie, you know there is NEVER a quiet moment--I have a little chatty cathy on my hands! )
5. Do not discipline your child in front of others.
6. Do not correct any other child on her manners, other than your own.
7. Be clear about what you expect.
8. Be consistent.
9. Do not give in to tempure tantrums. ( I was a sucker for that at age 2--we were in Tuesday Mornings & MGF wanted a groovy girl doll from there (her name is now Beffely--no not Bethany, Beffely) & pitched a fit for her--I was so exhausted and embarrassed, I just said okay!
10. Do not lose your temper. (WHAT?!?!)
11. Admit when you are wrong, owe and apology when you owe one.
12. Let your child know when a discussion has become a decision.
13. Words can hurt.
14. Respect your child's privacy-knock first
15. Do not impose your ideology.
16. Agree to disagree.
17. Give credit where credit is due.
18. Hold the door
19. Lend a hand.
20. Be a good sport.
21. Be a gracious loser & a generous winner.
22. Give more than you are asked.
23. Don't take more than you need.
24. Leave a place cleaner than you found it. ( I remember as a child having to follow this rule
& it would make me so mad at my mom when I would have to clean up a mess that was there when we arrived...but it does say it in the rule book, so I guess mom was right!!)
25. Don't respond to rudeness with rudeness.
26. Winning is not the only thing and nice girls do finish first.

So, let the southern fun begin!! And, if you know Mackenzie it shall be fun! :)