23: Swimming & Siblings

I am posted up in my car at Alamo Creek Park while Charlotte takes a nap. I left an hour earlier today, so I am hoping this improves Charlotte's mood at swim lessons tonight.
Yesterday she only had about 15 minutes to wake up and be ready for the pool...needless to say the transition did not go well. But I think I did a good job being patient and letting Charlotte aclimate to the water in her own time. She jumped in twice by the end of class. 
Yes I sat next to her at the side if the pool...I did not stay behind the red line...per lifeguard instructions. BUT I dont think I was disruptive or annoying. I tried to just whisper Charlotte encouragement...UNLIKE some of the parents of kids in her class.
Yes Im going to complain about them. My mom says it just comes with the territory, and I fear this is only my introduction to these overbearing parents. I mean they talked the entire lesson to their kid..."No its not time to have fun, its time to swim." "You like to kick! Show her how you kick!"  This is where I have to thank my Mom for letting me experience and make my own way in most of my activities.  She dressed us and got us to sporting events and school (well actually I got myself to school on my bike)..but then she really hung back.  She trusted I could handle it on my own. Thank you Mom.
I do try not to judge other parents...but they looked like they wanted to jump in teach the lesson. So let me look for the positive. I think I have learned that I dont want to be that parent...and I easily could be because I worry. I worry Chich wont listen or will get in trouble. I worry she will get upset or scared. So be it...that is how she will learn.
I will be there if she needs me...but Im going to let the teacher do her job.
I received the next book from Dr.Markham about how to handle sibling rivalrey and fighting. The kids are still young, but it will be good to start out with good habits. So far Ive learned to not take sides and not place blame...but be neutral and guide the kids towards a resolution. It is so easy to get upset when you see your baby being hit by your toddler which is why I need to be with them almost all the time at this age. I can see Maggie annoying Charlotte and then intervene before a fight...remove Maggie and teach Charlotte how to express her frustration. This is going to take practice and alot of patience!