I strongly agree with Brandie and Tom. I usually don't try to teach users about databases unless they're actually interested in how things work. What usually works for me is to listen to them and for ME to ask them questions for clarification. I help them teach me what they know so I can translate their problem correctly in code.
It sounds strange but sometimes the greatest skill of a mentor is to listen well.
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.