Tutoring is a hot topic with parents. Many parents wonder what signs they should be looking for that indicate it’s time to engage a tutor. To make things even more confusing, tutoring services aren’t just for kids who are having trouble understanding a subject in school. There’s a wide variety of tutors whose work goes beyond remediation: Pre-K and elementary tutors, subject matter tutors, homework helpers, test-prep tutors, and enrichment tutors.
All of these choices can make you question whether your child needs a tutor lest he fall behind. Prior to making this decision, consider some of the most common reasons parents hire tutors:
- Grades are suffering. This is the most common reason to hire a tutor. Remedial or supplemental teaching by a supportive tutor can help your child improve his academic performance and boost his confidence.
- Poor time management skills. A tutor can help a disorganized child develop better study habits and skills so the child can study more efficiently and effectively and perform better at school.
- Parents with limited time to help. Busy parents who are strapped for time may find it easier and more effective to have a third party support their child.
- Lack of confidence or poor attitude in school or towards a subject. Sometimes one-on-one, individualized instruction devoted to a child’s needs is all that is required to bring out the joy of learning.
- Indifference or lack of interest towards schoolwork. Children who are not challenged at school might lack the motivation to work at all. Tutoring can challenge the bored and understimulated student and encourage him to rise to his potential.
- Learning differences. A child who has been diagnosed with learning difficulties may benefit from tutors who are specially trained to present material using alternative or multisensory approaches that your child may more easily understand.
If you do hire a tutor, be wary of your children becoming overly dependent on them. A certain amount of struggle is important to foster independence, confidence, and resilience. Finally, be sure your child understands the job of a tutor is to teach. The job of the student is to learn. Ultimately, the student must take responsibility for his successes and failures in school.
If you are interested in speaking with one of our Advisors about helping your student, you can schedule an introductory free consultation here.
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