“Something doesn't quite seem right…” is a feeling parents may contemplate from time to time. Their gut knows that something is going on with their child, but are unsure exactly how to help. As a parent and tutor, I've been on both sides. Nothing is more frustrating than feeling like you can't help your child succeed in school. What warning signs should teachers and parents be looking for?
1. Avoiding School
“I don’t feel good,” is a phrase you’ll hear from your child who struggles with school. Going to the nurse’s office or calling home while at school are sure signs your child needs the support of a tutor.
2. Sour Attitude
Watch for an overwhelming amount of emotion when homework time comes each night. If your child shuts down or throws a tantrum, your child may need the insight of a tutor.
3. Test Scores
There are times when your child’s test scores just don’t seem to make sense because it does not reflect your child’s daily performance at school.
4. Dishonesty
If you are consistently hearing from your child he/she doesn’t have homework, this is a red flag especially for upper grades!
5. Careless
When your child seems unmotivated to please you or his/her teacher and do class work or testing, there is a reason beneath it and a tutor can help you find it.
6. Confidence
If your child is consistently beating themselves down because of a poor grade or performance at school, a tutor can help build his/her self-esteem again.
7. Learning Disabilities
When a child struggles, he/she may have ADD, dyslexia, an auditory processing disorder, etc. A tutor can help guide you to find a study regiment that works for your child.
8. Poor Time Management
If homework is taking longer than it really should, your child could benefit from working with a tutor who can help him/her find systems to increase their productivity.
9. Extreme Anxiety
If your child feels fearful of tests or is even physically sick, a tutor can help your child find test taking strategies to help them conquer his/her fears.
10. Hopeless
If you or your child have given up because it seems that no matter what you try, it’s just not working. Contact a tutor today to help you problem solve and come up with a solution that gets your child back on track.
