Does Your Child Need a Tutor?

Many children benefit from the instruction of a tutor, whether they're struggling with a learning disability or taking advanced courses through a gifted program. Taking the time to consider whether or not to hire a tutor means you're giving your child an opportunity to excel in the classroom.

Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between a child who is truly struggling with courses and one who is simply unmotivated to complete his or her studies. One must also consider the time and money that is required for a tutoring program. Still, finding the right tutor for your child can bring amazing results: improved grades, increased self-esteem, and positive study habits that will remain with your child throughout his or her life. It is important to consider your decision carefully and know when it's time to get help. 

Here are some tips for determining whether or not you should hire a tutor for your child:

• If your child is having difficulty competing assignments and your schedule doesn't allow you to sit with him or her to help each night, consider enlisting outside help. Because schoolwork becomes more difficult from one grade level to the next, not understanding a lesson now may lead to an even larger problem down the road.   
• If your child has a learning disability, professional assistance may be in order. A tutor will not only have the time and patience required to work through your child's problems, but will often have experience working with other children with the same disabilities. This experience can be invaluable. 
• If your child understands his or her studies, but seems to crumble during tests, a tutor might help. Not only can a tutor provide valuable test reviews, they can also provide tips and exercises for dealing with test anxiety. 
• If your child is advanced, perhaps a member of his or her school's gifted program, it's possible that he or she can skip a grade entirely. Your child may also be eligible for honors or advanced placement courses, which often allow one to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school. A tutor may be able to help your child stay ahead of the curve, or at least keep up with his or her advanced studies. 
• Any student can benefit from some help now and again. A free after-school program hosted by his or her school or teacher-guided study groups are always worth consideration.