Does my child need a tutor?

How to spot the signs and support your child before they fall behind

- JANE KINGSU-CHENG

For many parents, knowing when to seek extra academic help for their children can be a challenge. Should we give them one more chance? How do we know if they’re simply facing a temporary struggle or need consistent support? What are the signs that we should take action before it’s too late?

We asked Margaret “Meg” Entrata, a private tutor with 20 years of experience, to share some helpful insights on recognizing when children should get extra academic support.

When extra help is needed

According to Meg, one of the clearest signs a child may need a tutor is when homework is often late or missing, or if grades in certain subjects are consistently low. “Some parents don’t wait for the grades to drop,” she says. “They reach out as soon as they notice their child having trouble keeping up with the lessons.” Catching these issues early can make a big difference.

In her time as a private tutor, she’s learned how to quickly gauge what each student needs. “I can usually tell if a child is behind or if they’re ahead of their level and might need more of a challenge,” she says. From there, she adjusts her sessions depending on the student’s pace and learning style.

Personalized sessions