Grades start slipping
One of the first things that might catch your attention is that your child's grades start slipping. "You may notice that your child is consistently not performing well in a particular subject over three to four months," says Raj Valli, CEO of digital tutoring platform Tabtor.
Homework sessions turn into meltdowns
If you feel like getting your child to do homework or sitting down to help them with their homework is like walking into World War Three — then you might want to consider calling a professional.
"Although there are certainly students who just aren't putting the effort in to complete their homework or think that homework is not important, there are also many times when students get overwhelmed by their homework and shut down," says Ann Dolin, president and founder of Educational Connections Tutoring.
Spending too much time on homework
For some kids, they are spending so much time on their homework that they have no free time for things like sports, socializing or spending time with friends and family. "Although it is certainly a testament to that child's work ethic, the hours and hours spent on assignments may not be necessary for the same level of academic success," says Dolin, who says many parents will call her concerned that their child is spending too much time on homework. A tutor can help them study more efficiently.
Not wanting to go to school
Some children are embarrassed about lagging behind the class and will start looking for excuses to skip school, says Valli.
Behavior problems
Valli says that if you notice other behavior problems, such as your child being irritable or getting frustrated at small things more often that this could be a sign that something is bothering him regarding school or homework.
Your child studies — but still bombs the test
Dolin says that if your child is not studying the right way, they could study a lot but still do poorly on a test. A tutor can teach your child the correct way to study to achieve success.
Input from the teacher
Your child's teacher is one of your best resources to help you decide if your child needs a tutor. If she indicates your child is having problem focusing or is struggling to complete classwork and is falling behind, ask her if she thinks a tutor would benefit your child.
Many parents wonder if the expense of a tutor is worth it. What can a tutor do that a parent can't do? "The majority of parents who call tell me that they have tried to help their child on their own, and it's just not working," says Dolin. "Some children get upset more easily when their parents help them because they feel like they are letting them down or disappointing them if they don't get something right away. Other kids are resistant to their parent's help because of other factors in the relationship. Bringing a tutor into the equation really simplifies the relationship and provides for a designated time to get things done," says Dolin.
Where can you find a tutor? You have online providers, in-person sessions at places like Sylvan as well as local tutors. Ask your teacher, friends and families for recommendations for local tutors.
As far as price goes, Valli says the world of tutoring has a wide range with prices, saying his online tutoring company (Tabtor) charges $60 for a whole month of learning. Depending on your location and the type of tutor, you can generally expect to pay $25 up to $100 per hour.
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