Does My Child Need a Tutor?
byElizabeth Preston
5 min to read
Does your child need a tutor? There’s no shame in asking, or if the answer is yes. In fact, some of the brightest minds in history had one.
Beyond help on an assignment or two, some children need extra academic support that lasts the entire school year. This is where a tutor becomes an invaluable resource. Tutors give students organizational and learning strategies, aid them in overcoming challenges, bolster their confidence, and help them feel empowered and motivated.
In this article, we’ll explore the early signs that your child might need a tutor, and the best ways to find one.
Recognizing When a Child Might Need Extra Help
There are a few common signs that your child needs a tutor that you can look out for.
Academic Warning Signs
If your child’s grades aren’t matching their potential, it might mean they’re struggling in school and need extra support. Especially if the mismatch only applies to one or two subjects.
Emotional or Behavioral Indicators
Younger children can find it hard to communicate that they’re feeling frustrated. This might lead them to acting out. They might become irritable, emotional, or push back when they’re asked to do assignments. In some cases, they might speak in negative terms about themselves, like “I’m not smart enough” or “I can’t do this.”
Lack of Engagement or Motivation
When something is difficult, scary, or not pleasant, what do we typically do? We procrastinate. Children are no different. When schoolwork feels difficult or academically overwhelming, they might cope by avoiding and delaying schoolwork.
Common Causes Behind Learning Challenges
Struggling in school doesn’t often come from a lack of trying. Certain learning disabilities might make learning more challenging, for example executive function disorders like ADHD. Learning disorders like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia might also be a factor.
How Tutoring Can Help Bridge the Learning Gap
You should see a tutor as an educational partner for your child. They can even be a second advocate for their needs with teachers. But one of the most important benefits of tutors is the various methods they can use to empower students to perform their best.
Personalized Learning Approaches
A tutor can sit down and fine-tune how to approach a subject based on your child’s specific needs. Through valuable one-on-one time to break topics down, they can reframe information in ways that are easier to grasp. Or simply give extra insight into a subject area that you might not be able to yourself.
They’re also experts at knowing the pace to go. Understanding whether your child needs more time to absorb information, or if they’re gifted and feeling held back in class.
Building Confidence and Motivation
Tutors also know how to build up a child’s confidence and keep them engaged, helping them to feel good about themselves and their abilities. Tutors will set manageable goals, so accomplishments feel like rewards for good effort. They’ll also use positive reinforcement to maintain momentum, motivation to keep trying, and a positive relationship with learning.
Tutors can also be a source of social and emotional support by listening and empathizing, if your child is going through a tough moment.
What to Do Before Hiring a Tutor?
Approach this relationship like you would any professional position you were hiring for. Ask to see letters of recommendation from previous clients, an example tutoring plan, a resume, or any certificates or certifications they hold.
How to Find a Tutor?
You can start by asking for recommendations from your student’s teachers, classmates, or friends. You can also check out online reviews of tutoring websites, or reach out to local colleges or libraries for students who tutor. Online tutoring marketplaces are also an option. You can have your child sit in on interviews, so they can have a say on who they’re most excited to work with.
How Much Does a Tutor Cost?
Your tutor’s rate will likely depend on:
their experience
the length of each tutoring session
the complexity of the subject
the grade level being covered
where you live
However, in general, tutoring costs around $24 an hour for elementary school students, and can go up to $100 an hour for college test prep tutoring.
Supporting Your Child During the Tutoring Process
Make sure to schedule regular check-ins with the tutor, so you can stay looped in on progress and address roadblocks. Don’t forget to see how your child is feeling about the partnership and the work they’re doing. If they feel like they’re not getting what they need, or they're not quite gelling with the tutor, talk through it with them so you can find a better fit for their needs.
Interested in Learning More?
Explore how virtual tutoring sessions can support your child’s online education. Download our free eGuide to learn more.
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