hiring a tutor for your childThe bigger your kids get, the more complicated their school work becomes. You don't want your child to get completely frustrated when a subject gets tough and, even worse -- give up. But sometimes your kid just needs to focus, not for you to call in the troops. It's a fine line between giving your child what she needs and going overboard in the pursuit of a perfect GPA for her transcript.

Tutors can be an excellent tool for a kid who needs a boost, but knowing when to make the call is as important as knowing who in the heck to call in the first place. Here are three reasons to hire a tutor for your child, and three ways to make sure you're getting a quality tutor.

When does my child need a tutor?

1. Your child begins making statements like, "I'm just not good at math." You don't want school to beat down your child's self-esteem to the point where he can't get back up. A tutor could empower your child to feel capable again instead of hopeless. If he's upset about homework, he needs help.

2. Grades don't improve even after you work with your child regularly. Your first step should always be to sit down with your child when she's doing homework. But if the time you're spending isn't helping, or worse, she's seeing her grades continually drop, it's time to call in the big guns.

3. Your teacher tips you off. If your teacher is kindly suggesting your child get some help or that he isn't "reaching his potential," it's time to listen up and reach out. She's not telling you this for her health.

How to find a great tutor:

1. Get a recommendation from your child's teacher who knows what he needs best.

2. Enlist friends in your search. A tutor that comes with a personal recommendation and a positive track record via someone you know and trust is a great option.

3. Speak with a reputable agency. There's a reason an agency that places tutors is successful, and that is repeat business. Be sure you interview the potential tutor and make sure he or she meshes with your child, and don't be afraid to ask for someone else if it's not a match. A great company is there to make you happy and get your child back in the game.

Have you ever hired a tutor for your child?

 

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