Patience or Understanding?

Have You Ever Had a Student Who Just Tried Your Patience?

 I was recently working with a student and after the lesson, the mom came over to me and said, “Wow, you're so patient with her.” I thanked her for her compliment but inside, I laughed because those who really know me, know that patience isn't one of my better virtues! (Just ask my wife!)

This is where an important Diamond Distinction comes into play: the difference between patience and understanding. If I understand what's going on for one of my students I don't have to exhibit patience. 

Having to "have patience" is usually rooted in the lack of understanding for what's
​going on for both your student and for yourself. ​

When you start to feel that angst of impatience and frustration, take a step back and think about what's going on for the other person. What is it that I'm not understanding that's requiring me to use patience as a tool instead of understanding? When you use understanding as a strategy for teaching and nurturing a child, you are using an incredibly more powerful tool that will provide you with valuable insights which will enable you to be infinitely more effective with your student.  That's this week's inspirational Caffeine. Click here to view this Diamond Distinction on YouTube.

Remember, always focus on what you want, in this case, it's understanding.