A recent survey by the Open University Business School has made a shocking discovery about parents (and no, it isn't about the fact that we second-guess our parenting skills). According to this survey, a significant percentage of parents are scared of helping their kids with their math homework, while more than half admit to getting the answers wrong.

So, there we have it. Across the globe, it isn't just children who hate math; parents are scared of maths for children as well.

To get past this problem, we have to consider a popular solution: math tutors. Math tutors can help your child get over their fear of arithmetic and equip them with the right numeric skills for higher education. But how do you choose the right math tutor? How do you ensure that you aren't hiring a fluke?

Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?

Things to Consider when Choosing a Math Tutor

Selecting a math tutor for your child is a delicate process that involves deep consideration and caution. If you're thinking of taking this huge step, here are some key factors to consider:

Your child's current circumstances

Learning isn't a one-size-fits-all process. What works for child A might not necessarily work for Child B and vice-versa. As such, it's essential to use your child's current learning situation as a yardstick for choosing a tutor who will be both willing and capable of setting up a suitably paced maths tuition program for your child. .

For starters, think about your child's learning needs. Do you think they'll respond better to group tutoring, or are private learning sessions a better option for them? Do they learn better by playing kids' math games? Or is the traditional teaching method the best? By considering your child's learning needs, you'll be able to get them the very best.

You'll also need to map out appropriate learning goals to ensure that you find a tutor that can match/meet these goals.

Consider your budget (or set one if you don't have any)

Budgets aren't exactly the first thing that come to mind when we talk about hiring tutors. But contrary to popular opinion, budgets are a pretty important factor to consider when hiring a tutor for your child. Naturally, some tutoring services might be more expensive than others. As such, you'll need to find one that fits right into your budget while offering great quality at the same time.

Consult your child's current math teacher first

A great way to ensure that you hire the best math tutor for your child is by first discussing your child's learning needs with their math teacher. These teachers are best positioned to tell you what your child needs and how they cope with different learning approaches/methods. They'll also be able to tell you what topics your child struggles with. This way, you'll be able to make the right hiring decision.

How to Find the Perfect Math Tutor

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, it's time to address the big question: how and where can you find the perfect math tutor? Well, here are a few avenues you could explore

Consult your child's teacher

As we mentioned earlier, your child's teacher can be a veritable source of information. If you're looking for a private tutor, it only makes sense to consult your child's teacher first. Since they already know your child and have proper connections within the education sector, they'll be able to find you a match in no time at all.

Ask your child's teacher if they can make any recommendations for online or in-person tutoring, depending on which method you prefer.

Ask other parents

You'd be surprised at the amount of gold you can strike simply by having a conversation with another parent. Since most parents have experienced the "great math war" with their kids, they'll be in a better position to offer recommendations.

During school bake sales or PTA meetings, try striking up a conversation with other parents about tutoring services. Ask them which tutoring services they use and how much said services charge. You might also want to compare the answers you get from each parent to ensure that you have a wide range of options.

Online services

The internet has given us basically everything we could ask for: candy crush, vines, funny YouTube videos, and loads of information. As such, if you're looking to hire a math tutor, the internet is a great place to find what you're looking for.

There are tons of online tutoring services available for students of all ages. If you're considering online learning for your child, you can easily pick from any of these readily available services.

Even if you prefer in-person learning, a quick Google search will pop up all the available tutoring services within your area. And then, all you have to do is make a choice. Easy Peasy!

Final Thoughts

Hiring a math tutor for your child is just like convincing a hyperactive toddler to go to sleep. It's a long, frustrating process that may or may not be successful. That's why we've collated the best tips to help you hire only the best tutor for your child. With the right tutor, your child will certainly get over their fear for the subject and even grow to love it.

So, what are you waiting for? Strike up a conversation with your child's teacher or other parents today. You'll be surprised at the kind of nuggets you'll find.

Author's Bio

Jessica Kaminski is a seasoned math tutor at Brighterly with several years of experience up her sleeves. She's committed to nurturing little math geniuses and helping children all over the world get over their fear of math.

How To Choose the Best Math Tutor For Your Child