Tutoring Objectives: Managing parents' expectations

Parents can be demanding. It's in your best interest to set goals and outline your plans for meeting them. If a parent is concerned about your program, you can later review and revise your goals, but from the outset you should:

• Determine the objectives of the tutoring.
• Clearly define what is expected of you, the child, and the parents.
• Map out a time line for meeting the objectives.
• Outline your tutoring methods.
• Let the parents know the behavioral expectations you have of the child.
• Explain to parents your policies on arriving on time, canceling appointments, and so on.
• Set boundaries.
• Agree to a schedule that details when you will speak with teachers and report to parents.
• Involve the child in decision making, when appropriate.

A good relationship with the parent will make the child's chance of success that much greater and make your job many times easier.