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t’s easy to miss clues that your child needs academic assistance, and kids are often reluctant to discuss their struggles, making it more difficult to determine when a tutor may be an asset. “If your child is secretive about their grades, resists help with homework and gives you vague answers to questions about school, these are red flags,” says Beverly Hills, Calif.-based psychiatrist Carole Lieberman, who treats children and families dealing with academic challenges. However, determining that your child needs a tutor is only the beginning. Once that’s been decided, parents must weigh the options and figure out which type of tutor is best to address their child’s needs. There are three tutoring methods: one-on-one (private or franchise-based), online and group. Children respond to each approach differently, so you may need to experiment to find what works best. David Jones, who teaches algebra, biology, English and geometry, works independently and through HeyTutor.com, which connects students with academic assistance. Jones believes chemistry and empathy are as critical as expertise. “The biggest challenge for my students is attitude, not aptitude. The idea that ‘math sucks’ or they aren’t good at it is prevalent and powerful. I challenge these notions. I felt that way when I was in middle school,” says Jones. Such thinking can be debilitating, he says, but it can be overcome. Jones has been tutoring Atlanta sixth-grader Jack Jenkins most weekdays this school year.
“At first, I wasn’t excited about having a tutor, but I like David,” says Jack. “He cares about me and wants me to do well. I know that school is important, and that I need to do well if I want to have a good future. David has helped me keep up with my work and tests.” Jack’s parents, Jo and Michelle Jenkins, are impressed. “David has done amazing work with our son, who has ADHD and has really struggled,” says Jo. “David’s understanding of ADHD has helped Jack respect and trust him. The result has been improved study habits and an overall increase in grades.” For some, there may be a stigma attached to needing a tutor, but Jones says that even gifted students struggle. Hiring help is not necessarily an indication that a child is less capable. “Their self-worth is tied to academic success and praise. Kids argue or shut down when faced with a challenge. I have to be sensitive to this, while not cutting them slack and falling short of my obligation as a tutor,” Jones explains. Jana Rodgers, of Buford, Ga., used Wyzant Tutoring, an online service that also provides in-person instruction, for both of her children. Rodgers appreciated the convenience and flexibility, along with the ability to quickly compare tutors with different specialties, hourly rates and reviews. Rodgers says Wyzant was also a time-saver in traffic-choked Atlanta because they didn’t want to have to commute. “We weren’t limited geographically in finding an awesome tutor. If it’s midnight >
WHAT PAR ENTS SHOULD K NOW uTrust your instincts. If you sense your child is struggling, act. uBe proactive. Partner with your child’s teacher to discuss options. uDo your homework. Ask for recommendations, referrals and resources. Read reviews and check credentials. uStick with it. Children may ask to quit. uRequest progress updates from the tutor. uAsk your child what’s working and not working. uRecognize this is a family effort. uKnow that extra support pays off.
SEEING THE SIGNS Earning low grades is one of the most obvious ways to tell if your child needs tutoring, but it’s not the only indication that there’s an issue. Psychiatrist Carole Lieberman says these signs may suggest your child needs a tutor: uDecreased enthusiasm or boredom uIssues with time-management uPoor study habits uConstant confusion uWorking diligently without correlating success uDrop in self-confidence uFaking an illness
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