Deputy Principal

Patience in a Busy World  

I was reminded recently that patience is truly a virtue - particularly when teaching a teenager to drive for the first time. Despite careful preparation and a thorough review of the rules, we had barely travelled a few metres before a seatbelt alarm sounded. What followed was an hour navigating the streets of Strathfield, where calm guidance was met with repeated reminders to ‘chill’ -apparently directed inward, though I remained somewhat unconvinced. 

While this moment was light-hearted, it prompted some deeper reflection on parenting in today’s world. For many families, life feels increasingly busy and complex. Parents/carers are balancing work commitments, school responsibilities, sporting and extracurricular activities, and, for many, the growing responsibility of caring for ageing parents. The pace of daily life is fast, and the mental load carried by families continues to increase. 

In this busyness, patience can be one of the first things to diminish. We often place high expectations on ourselves, striving to do everything well and to meet the needs of everyone around us. In doing so, we can become our own harshest critics, racing from one task to the next and overlooking our own wellbeing. Unfortunately, frustration is often directed at those closest to us - our children and families - simply because they feel like a safe and familiar space. 

This was highlighted at last Friday’s Year 5 Parent Cocktail Party, where Dr Lavorato shared feedback from our students. One comment stood out: ‘Talk nicely to us.’ It was a simple but powerful reminder. Parents/carers rarely intend to be abrupt or unkind, yet when life feels rushed and overwhelming, our tone can change without us even realising. These moments invite us to pause and reflect on how our words and actions are received. 

At times, it is worth reflecting on periods when life slowed down. While few would wish to return to the challenges of COVID, that time did offer an opportunity for greater family connection and a less crowded schedule. Many families found themselves spending more time together, with fewer commitments and a slower pace. Today, impatience often stems from trying to do too much and from feeling pressure to say yes to every opportunity. 

Learning to say no - to extra activities, to unrealistic expectations, and sometimes even to our children - is an important skill. Disappointment, while uncomfortable, is not harmful. In fact, it plays a vital role in helping children develop resilience, manage expectations, and understand that they cannot always have everything they ask for. These lessons are valuable and lasting. 

As families, it is essential that we find time to pause, breathe, and look after our own wellbeing. When we take care of ourselves, we are better placed to respond with patience, kindness, and understanding. Saying no to our children is not a failure; rather, it is part of supporting them to grow into resilient, grounded, and balanced young people. 

Adrian Byrne 

Deputy Principal