Hiring a Tutor Can Stop Homework Battles in Their Tracks (Vera Howard)

Many parents cringe when it comes time for their child to get started on their homework. Mom or Dad braces for the excuses, complaints, and sometimes even tears that can accompany that stressful time of day. If you have ever taken part in the "Homework Battle" with your child then you have probably wondered what you can do to control the situation so that the work gets done without a fuss.

Tears of Frustration
Homework often becomes a battle for a child in elementary or middle school because he or she doesn't understand the concepts behind the assignment. The child may feel so frustrated that they melt down without explaining the problem. Instead of letting your child pull you into an argument, ask them about the assignment to see if they need extra help. If they really are struggling then you may want to consider a private in-home tutor until your child feels more confident.

Parent/child relationships tend to involve power struggles that have nothing to do with school work. Children are less likely to make excuses with a tutor because a tutor represents the teacher instead of the parent. Once you eliminate the parent/child dynamic, the real work can begin. A tutor can cut through the excuses and get to the heart of the lesson as well as evaluate the situation to see where the child should focus.

Tutoring Intervention

Some parents may not have the time or energy to sit down with their child each night to make sure that homework is being done correctly. They may hire a tutor a few afternoons a week to keep on top of things for them. Other parents schedule a tutor once or twice a week. That is usually enough time to review newly learned concepts and devise strategies for attacking homework efficiently.


If your child has organizational issues then a tutor can help them learn how to manage their time well. The tutor can teach note-taking techniques and reinforce study skills that can set the foundation for future learning. Tutors can set up a reinforcement system to make sure the child consistently brings home the books he or she needs to do assignments.

If it is possible to have the tutor make contact with your child's classroom teacher then you should encourage it. The tutor can find the key areas to focus on during tutoring sessions when speaking directly with the teacher. The tutor may even be able to work out a deal with the classroom teacher so that a set of books is always kept at home instead of hoping the correct books make it home each day. It's helpful for the classroom teacher to see that you are working as a team to keep your child performing well academically.

Hiring a tutor can make a big difference in how your child handles homework assignments. It doesn't have to be a permanent solution. Eventually your child will be able to handle things on their own. Then when a new concept comes up that gives them trouble, they can verbalize it to you so that you can contact the tutor for additional support.

If your child is having problems in school, Bright Tutoring can help you find the right in-home tutor. http://www.brighttutoring.com. We provide private tutors for all kids from elementary through high school in the following Arizona cities:Scottsdale, Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Anthem.

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