As a parent, you have made the choice of hiring a tutor to help your child bridge the gap between public school and education. Consider this a very wise decision. The public schools do not always have the time or the programs needed for a child with ADHD.  Now your child has one-on-one instruction and activities. The tutor knows and understands the problems faced by these children.

Follow up:

It is vital for you as the parent to communicate your child's needs to their tutor. Yes, the tutor will be specifically trained to teach your child, but your child has special needs. No two students are ever exactly alike, and your tutor is teaching your child who is an individual. As the child’s advocate, you will clue the tutor into the child’s specific actions and attitudes so the tutor may better serve your child. Don’t ask them to guess what you already know. Realize that you and your tutor have a mutual purpose – to find how to best help your child succeed in learning

It is equally important for you to listen to what the tutor and those who are testing your child have to say. Develop a good attitude. Remain positive, calm, and specific. Below is a guideline for to read and perhaps follow as your child begins his/her tutoring sessions.

1. Plan ahead. Before the actual tutoring sessions begin, speak with the tutor. Determine if the tutor’s personality is one that will work well with you and your child. You and your child will be working closely in an agreeable situation.
2. Make meeting happen. You will have absolutely no problems with this. Tutors are always willing to listen. They will readily tell you of your child’s successes and areas where work will be needed. They will give you their game plan and ask if you are comfortable with that plan of action. These meetings need not be after every tutoring session, but keep in touch.
3. Create goals together. Discuss your hopes with the tutor. Together with the tutor write specific and realistic goals and discuss how they may be reached. Be open-minded. Listen to the tutor, but ask how they arrive at decisions.
4. Listen carefully. Again keep an open mind. You know your child’s history, but your child’s tutor sees him/her differently. There will be times when it will be hard for you to hear what your tutor has to say. Remember, he/she is working for the best for your child. There will be occasions when you will want to interrupt. Stop. Take a breath and think. Understanding your child’s challenges in learning is the key to finding solutions that work.
5. Share information. You are the only one who knows your child best. You know his/her entire history which gives you a lot of information that can lead to better understanding of your child’s problems. Share your observations and thoughts freely. Ask the tutor to do the same with you.
6. Ask the hard questions and give a complete picture. Communication is the key and can only work effectively if you are honest with the tutor. Give the tutor a list of the medications that your child is currently taking. Let the teacher know if there are other counseling sessions or treatments. Let the tutor know how your child acts at home. Tell them of behavior modification you know that works and what isn’t effective.

By working with your tutor, you increase the effectiveness of the tutor and the better your child will succeed.