As a parent, you want your child to be successful in school while building the confidence they need to tackle any of life’s challenges. That being said, what happens if your child starts to fall behind in school, or you feel they aren’t being challenged enough? Almost every family reaches this crossroad at some point with many asking themselves the question: Should I hire a tutor for my child?
The answer ultimately depends on your child’s unique educational needs, academic goals, and current learning environment. In this article, I’ll break down the signs, weigh the benefits, and more so that you can make the most informed decision possible when it comes to hiring a tutor for your child.
Why Parents Choose to Hire a Tutor
Whether you’re located in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or anywhere across Texas, families consider tutoring for a number of different reasons. While some students may be falling behind and need to catch up, others may be pushing to move ahead. Regardless of the situation, families look to the following common reasons to hire a tutor:
- Struggling in one or more subjects at school
- Constant frustration with homework (and possible meltdowns)
- Low test scores and decreasing grades
- Lack of motivation or focus in the classroom
- Gaps in important foundational skills
- Undergoing a transition to a new school
- Preparing for exams (STAAR, ACT, SAT, etc)
- Managing ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences
Regardless of your child being in middle school or high school, tutoring can be a game-changer for when their school environment isn’t meeting their needs or expectations.
7 Signs to Look For:
While we covered some of the common reasons that parents consider tutoring for their child, let’s dive into the 7 tell-tale signs that your child needs one:
1. Grades are Slipping
If you’re seeing a steady decline in your child’s grades across report cards, it can be a strong indicator that they may be struggling to keep up with their schoolwork. There can be hundreds of reasons why this may be the case which is where a tutor can step in. A tutor helps pinpoint the where and why of your child’s grades decreasing and provide support to help turn things around.
2. Homework Takes Forever (Or Never Gets Done)
Does your child spend hours on homework? Are they constantly talking about the stress of school? If yes can be answered to either of these questions, chances are that they are overwhelmed. A tutor can step in and help the student build skills, improve their time management skills, and make homework less of a battle.
3. Your Child Has Lost Confidence
A drop in academic standing often goes hand-in-hand with a drop in self-esteem. Is your child constantly doubting themself and their abilities? Chances are they are struggling with academic confidence. A tutor can help correct these negative emotions by setting clear and achievable goals. A tutor can help show a student clear progress which leads to an increase in confidence.
4. You Can’t Help Anymore
Let’s face it, school today is vastly different from when we were in class. Helping your child with advanced subjects like chemistry, pre-calculus, statistics, and more may feel impossible. At times like this, it’s best to bring in a professional. They can connect with your child in a way that allows them to learn best.
5. Your Child is Bored in School
Not every student that needs a tutor is struggling academically. At least not in the way you’re expecting. Gifted and advanced learners become quickly disengaged if they’re not being challenged enough. This is especially prevalent when they feel the classroom pace is moving at a snail’s pace. A tutor can help them explore new topics and keep them motivated during times when they feel their potential is stifled.
6. Learning Differences Are Getting in the Way
If your child has ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning challenges, the traditional classroom environment may not be enough. When you hire a tutor that offers specialized support, the student is able to turn their learning difference into a superpower both inside and outside the classroom!
7. You’re Losing Peace at Home
Is school stress causing arguments, tears, and tension at home? If this is the case, it may be time to hire a tutor. A tutor reduces stress with the student by helping your child learn more independently which leads them to feeling in more control.
What Happens When You Hire a Tutor?
When you hire a tutor, you’re not just investing in good grades and academic standing. A good tutor is able to help your child:
- Master difficult concepts at their own pace
- Build good study habits and executive function skills
- Gain confidence in their learning
- Prepare for high-stakes exams
- Rediscover the joy of learning
At TenneyTutors we take it one step further with a tutoring program rooted in personalization. We match your child with experience private school teachers as a personal tutor that can understand your child’s level, learning style, and personality. Sessions are conducted one-on-one remotely which gives you the most flexibility for scheduling.
Online Vs. In-Person Tutoring: Which is Better?
In today’s digital world, online tutoring has completely leveled the playing field with in-person tutoring. When considering the two, it really comes down to how your child learns, and which is best for them.
- Online tutoring offers flexibility and convivence which is perfect for busy families or students in rural areas.
- In-person tutoring is perfect for students that prefer the ‘classroom’ feel when it comes to learning.
Ready for a Tutor? TenneyTutors Can Help!
Whether your child is catching up, keeping up, or looking to accelerate their learning, the decision to hire a tutor can transform their academic journey. At TenneyTutors we proudly serve families across Texas by providing real private school teachers as available and flexible tutors. No where else can you get the quality of tutoring that you can find here. From math and reading support to help with ADHD and dyslexia, we’re here to help your child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Curious whether tutoring is the right step for your child? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s explore how TenneyTutors can help your child succeed.