Signs That Your Child May Benefit from a Tutor

Courtney-Mae Huckle
Apr 9
3 min read

Updated: Apr 10

As parents, we all want our children to succeed — in school and beyond. But sometimes, no matter how bright or motivated a child may be, they face challenges that impact their academic progress. In these cases, tutoring can be a game-changer.

If you're unsure whether your child needs extra academic support, here are 10 clear signs that it might be time to consider a tutor.

1. Falling Grades

One of the most obvious signs is a noticeable drop in marks — whether it’s in one subject or across the board. If your child was previously doing well but now struggles to keep up, it could be a sign that they’ve missed a foundational concept or are overwhelmed.

2. Homework Battles

Does homework end in frustration or tears? If completing assignments has become a daily struggle, your child might be battling to understand the material, which can cause stress and avoidance.

3. Lack of Confidence

You might hear phrases like “I’m stupid” or “I can’t do this” more often. A lack of confidence, especially in a specific subject, can quickly spiral into underperformance across other areas as well.

4. Teacher Feedback

If your child’s teacher has mentioned concerns about progress, focus, or participation, it’s wise to take it seriously. Teachers have a good sense of how learners compare to their peers and can spot academic red flags early.

5. Avoidance of School or Subjects

If your child starts pretending to be sick to miss school or constantly complains about a particular subject (e.g. "Maths is too hard" or "I hate Afrikaans"), it could indicate anxiety or frustration around that area.

6. Poor Time Management

Is your child constantly cramming the night before a test or struggling to manage deadlines? A tutor can help with study skills, organisation, and learning how to break tasks into manageable parts.

7. Learning Differences

Children with learning challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, or processing disorders often benefit greatly from one-on-one support tailored to their unique needs and pace.

8. Struggling After a Transition

Big changes — like moving schools, changing syllabi (such as from CAPS to IEB), or shifting to high school — can disrupt a student’s learning rhythm. A tutor can help ease this transition and rebuild confidence.

9. Limited Support at Home

In many South African households, parents may be working long hours or may not feel equipped to help with certain subjects. A tutor steps in as that consistent academic support system.

10. Your Instinct Tells You Something’s Off

As a parent, you know your child best. If you have a gut feeling that something isn’t right — trust it. An assessment session with a tutor can provide clarity and a plan forward.

The Right Support Can Change Everything

Tutoring isn’t just for struggling students — it’s also for learners who want to excel, need a boost in confidence, or are aiming for top marks in competitive subjects.

At For The Student, we offer personalised, one-on-one tutoring that’s aligned with the South African curriculum (CAPS and IEB). Whether your child needs help catching up, staying on track, or getting ahead, we’re here to support their learning journey every step of the way.