Are you frustrated because your child is struggling in math or reading despite your best efforts to help?

It can be maddening to repeatedly explain the same math formula with little success. Even when you try to explain it differently, your child still doesn't seem to grasp the concept. Before you know it, your patience is worn thin. It's only a matter of time before you raise your voice in frustration, and your child's eyes well up with tears.

If you realize your child needs more help than you can provide, consider hiring a tutor. A good tutor will be able to recognize where your child's problem began and begin to build from there.
Here are some important things to consider when hiring a tutor…

• Explore options for locating qualified tutors. Use the phone book, ask school personnel for references and check with "learning assistance" companies.
  
  
• Choose two or three potential tutors to interview.
  
  
• Develop a list of questions to ask the tutors. These questions should try to find answers to such things as their level of expertise, awareness of different learning styles and comfort level with children.
  
  
• Interview each tutor individually.
  
  
• Have the tutor meet your child and observe how they interact.
  
  
• Choose the tutor that you feel is best qualified.
  
  
• Discuss details of what services you expect the tutor to provide your child.
  
  
• Arrange a meeting between school personnel, your tutor and yourself to establish an education plan for the tutor to follow.

A tutor, of course, cannot replace the love and affection of a parent. You still need to let your child know your expectations. Continue to check homework assignments, and review progress reports. Attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Volunteer to help in your child's classroom if you can. Provide encouragement, and reward your child when he or she reaches a milestone.