One of the most common questions parents ask is: “Does my child need a tutor? It’s a fair question. You want to give your child the support they need, but you also don’t want to spend money or time on tutoring if it’s not actually needed. In this article, we’ll share some helpful and practical questions you can ask to best determine whether tutoring is worth considering for your kids.

1. Is homework becoming a challenge?

If your child suddenly starts resisting homework or avoiding it altogether, it may not be laziness — they could be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or afraid of making mistakes. Homework is meant to reinforce what’s learned in class, but when students struggle, they often disengage from it.

2. Have their grades started declining?

A drop in academic performance isn’t always about effort — it often signals gaps in understanding. This is especially common in rigorous programs like the IB or AP, where foundational concepts build up quickly. Tutoring offers a personalized pace and targeted support, helping students strengthen weak areas and develop study techniques that improve learning and retention.

3. Are they anxious about tests or school in general?

If your child gets nervous before exams, avoids talking about school, or complains of stomach aches near test days, it may be more than just nerves. In high-pressure environments where students are expected to perform well, many internalize stress — leading to anxiety or even physical symptoms.

A tutor can help by:

• • Breaking down topics into manageable steps

• • Practicing exam techniques in a calm setting

• • Rebuilding confidence through support and clarity

Tutoring provides a safe space where the focus is entirely on the student. This one-on-one attention can reduce the sense of overwhelm that some students feel in large, fast-moving classrooms.

4. Do they participate in class?

If teachers report that your child is quiet, hesitant to engage, or avoids group activities, it may be a sign they don’t fully understand the material — or lack confidence in their abilities. This is often a silent way students express they’re struggling.

A tutor can help them master challenging topics, build confidence, and encourage them to speak up and participate in class again.

5. Has your family recently moved countries and/or school systems?

Switching between curricula – like MYP to IB, British to American, or between schools – can be challenging for students. Students may face unfamiliar formats, new expectations, or gaps in background knowledge. We often see this as a primary reason for poor performance in school.

A tutor can support your child during this transition, helping them catch up, adjust to new terminology or grading systems, and feel more confident in their new learning environment.

6. Are they passionate about a subject that school doesn’t cover in depth?

Some students develop deep interests that go beyond the school curriculum. Maybe your child wants to learn a new language, explore robotics, or build their own website — but their school doesn’t cover these topics at their level.

In these cases, tutoring becomes a powerful tool. It supports self-directed learning, encourages curiosity, and shows your child that their passions are worth investing in.

7. Do they get distracted easily or struggle with time management?

If your child finds it difficult to concentrate, often skips parts or all of their homework, or takes much longer than expected to complete simple assignments, it may not be a lack of ability — but rather a lack of structure. Many students struggle not because they don’t understand the material, but because they haven’t yet developed strong study habits or time management skills.

A tutor can make a big difference by helping your child build a consistent daily routine, break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and introduce learning methods that match your child’s personality and interests. When students feel supported and know what to expect, they often become more motivated, focused, and independent learners.

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Every child learns differently and needing extra support doesn’t mean they’re not smart or capable. In fact, recognizing when your child could benefit from tutoring is one of the most powerful ways to support their confidence, independence, mental health, and long-term success.

At the end of the day, tutoring isn’t just about catching up, it’s about helping students gain confidence and feel that they are the ones in control of their learning.